KR20180048195A - Feedback device and method for providing thermal using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a feedback device for outputting thermal feedback and a method of providing thermal feedback using the same, and a method for providing thermal feedback according to an aspect of the present invention includes: The method comprising: obtaining a start message of the thermal feedback, the thermal feedback including a type of the thermal feedback; And outputting the thermal sensation feedback by performing a thermal grill operation in which the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are combined when the kind of the thermal feedback is thermal sensory feedback, Applying a constant voltage for the heat generating operation to the thermoelectric element, applying a reverse voltage to the thermoelectric element opposite to the positive voltage and the power applying direction for the heat absorbing operation, And applying a reverse voltage alternately and repeatedly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a feedback device,

The present invention relates to a feedback device for outputting thermal feedback and a method for providing thermal feedback using the feedback device.

Recently, as technology for virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) has been developed, demand for providing feedback through various senses in order to increase user engagement with contents is increasing. Particularly, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2016, virtual reality technology was introduced as one of promising technologies for the future. In parallel with this trend, research is being actively carried out to provide a user experience for all human senses including smell and tactile sensation in the future, away from the user experience (UX: User experience) mainly limited to visual and auditory sense.

Thermoelement (TE) is a device that generates an exothermic reaction or an endothermic reaction by receiving electric energy by a Peltier effect, and has been expected to be used for providing thermal feedback to a user. However, The application of the thermoelectric element has been limited since it is difficult to adhere to the body part of the user.

However, recently, development of a flexible thermoelement (FTE) has come to a successful stage, and it is expected to overcome the problems of a conventional thermoelectric device and to transmit thermal feedback effectively to a user.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a feedback device that provides thermal feedback to a user and a method of providing thermal feedback using the feedback device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a feedback device that provides thermal feedback including thermal sensation using heat sensation and cold sensation in addition to hot sensation and cold sensation, and a method of providing thermal feedback using the feedback device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a feedback device capable of outputting multi-stage thermal feedback by adjusting the intensity of a heat generation operation or an endothermic operation, and a method of providing thermal feedback using the feedback device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a feedback device for outputting heat trapping by using voltage control, region adjustment, time division, and the like, and a method of providing thermal feedback using the feedback device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a feedback device that prevents damage to the user's skin due to thermal feedback and a method of providing thermal feedback using the feedback device.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a feedback device for preventing thermal inversion and a method of providing thermal feedback using the feedback device.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a feedback device that prevents thermally reversible hallucinations appropriately for both warm and cold feedback, and a method for providing thermal feedback using the feedback device.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims .

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing thermal feedback performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated from a thermoelectric device, which is supplied with power, to a user through a contact surface contacting a body part of a user, Obtaining a start message of the thermal feedback including a kind of the thermal feedback; And outputting the thermal sensation feedback by performing a thermal grill operation in which the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are combined when the kind of the thermal feedback is thermal sensory feedback, Applying a constant voltage for the heat generating operation to the thermoelectric element, applying a reverse voltage to the thermoelectric element opposite to the positive voltage and the power applying direction for the heat absorbing operation, A method of providing thermal feedback including a step of alternately repeating the step of applying a reverse voltage may be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device including: a communication module for communicating with an external device; A thermoelectric element that receives a power supply and performs a heat generating operation or a heat absorbing operation, a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element, and a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and contacting the body part of the user, A heat output module for outputting thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated by the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation to the user; And receiving the thermal feedback start message including the type of the thermal feedback from the external device through the communication module, and when the type of the thermal feedback is thermal feedback feedback, the thermal output module performs the heating operation and the endothermic And a controller for applying a constant voltage for the heating operation to the thermoelectric element and a controller for applying a constant voltage for the heating operation to the thermoelectric element, A feedback device may be provided which controls the thermal output module to perform the thermal grill operation by applying an opposite reverse voltage alternately and repeatedly.

It is to be understood that the solution of the problem of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned solutions, and the solutions which are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs It will be possible.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide thermal feedback to the user.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide senses other than heat sensation by providing thermal sensation using a sensation of heat and a sensation of coldness.

In addition, according to the present invention, the user experience can be improved by outputting various types of thermal feedbacks as the intensity of the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation is adjusted.

In addition, according to the present invention, user's safety can be secured by preventing damage to the user's skin due to thermal feedback.

Further, according to the present invention, deterioration of the user experience caused by the thermal inversion hallucing can be prevented.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and the effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 to 7 relate to a gaming controller in an embodiment of a feedback device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 to 14 relate to a wearable device in an embodiment of a feedback device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a feedback device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a block diagram of the configuration of the feedback unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a heat output module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a view showing another embodiment of the heat output module according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a view of another embodiment of a heat output module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
20 is a view of yet another embodiment of a heat output module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a block diagram of a configuration of an application unit according to an embodiment of the present invention
22 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of an application unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a diagram illustrating a heating operation for providing warm feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention.
24 is a graph showing the strength of the warm feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
25 is a diagram of a heat absorbing operation for providing cold feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention.
26 is a graph showing the strength of cold feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention.
27 is a graph showing the strength of warm / cool feedback using voltage control according to an embodiment of the present invention.
28 is a graph relating to warm / cool feedback with the same temperature change amount according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a graph illustrating the control of the warm / cool feedback strength through the operation control for each thermoelement group according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a graph for controlling the warm / cool feedback strength through power supply timing control according to an embodiment of the present invention.
31 is a diagram illustrating a voltage regulating type thermal grill operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
32 is a table of voltages for providing neutral column grill feedback in a voltage regulation scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention.
33 is a diagram illustrating a thermal grill operation of the area adjustment method according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 is a view showing a thermoelectric element array composed of thermoelectric element groups having different areas for the thermal regulation method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a thermal grill operation using a time division method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
36 is a diagram illustrating another example of a thermal grill operation using a time division method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a thermal grill operation using a combination of area adjustment and time division according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating another example of a thermal grill operation using a combination of area adjustment and time division according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating another example of a thermal grill operation using a combination of area adjustment and time division according to an embodiment of the present invention.
40 is a view showing a temperature change of a contact surface during a heat generating operation and an endothermic operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a thermal inversion halluclus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 42 is a graph illustrating a change in temperature of a contact surface due to a buffering voltage according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 43 is a graph illustrating a change in temperature of a contact surface according to a thermal inversion halluclide preventing operation having a plurality of buffering steps according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 44 is a graph showing a temperature change according to an interruption of thermal feedback of various intensities according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
45 is a graph showing the difference in temperature change rate between the warm-feeling feedback of the same intensity and the cold feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 46 is a view showing a time difference of the buffering period at the end of the warm feedback and the cold feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
47 is a graph showing the temperature change of the contact surface at the end of the thermal grill feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 48 is a graph illustrating an operation for eliminating warmth at the end of thermal grill feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
49 is a schematic diagram of an example of an electric signal for a heat transfer operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 50 is a view showing a heat transfer operation according to FIG. 49; FIG.
51 is a schematic diagram of an example of an electrical signal for a thermal movement operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 52 is a view showing a heat movement operation according to Fig.
53 is a schematic diagram of an example of an electric signal for a heat transfer operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 54 is a view showing a heat movement operation according to FIG. 53; FIG.
55 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electric signal for a heat transfer operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 56 is a view showing a heat transfer operation according to FIG. 55; FIG.
FIG. 57 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a method for providing thermal feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 58 is a flowchart related to a second example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
59 is a flowchart related to a third example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 60 is a flowchart of a fourth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
61 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
62 is a flowchart of a sixth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 63 is a flowchart of a seventh example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 64 is a flowchart related to an eighth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.
65 is a flowchart illustrating a ninth example of a method for providing thermal feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention.
66 is a flowchart of a tenth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to be illustrative of the present invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Should be interpreted to include modifications or variations that do not depart from the spirit of the invention.

Although the terms used in the present invention have been selected in consideration of the functions of the present invention, they are generally used in general terms. However, the present invention is not limited to the intention of the person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs . However, if a specific term is defined as an arbitrary meaning, the meaning of the term will be described separately. Accordingly, the terms used herein should be interpreted based on the actual meaning of the term rather than on the name of the term, and on the content throughout the description.

The drawings attached hereto are intended to illustrate the present invention easily, and the shapes shown in the drawings may be exaggerated and displayed as necessary in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and thus the present invention is not limited to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a detailed description of known configurations or functions related to the present invention will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the present invention may be obscured.

According to an aspect of the present invention, heat generated by a thermoelectric operation including at least one of a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation of a thermoelectric element to which power is supplied is transmitted to the user through a contact surface contacting the body part of the user, The method comprising the steps of: applying operating power to the thermoelectric element to initiate output of the thermal feedback; Stopping the application of the operating power for ending the output of the thermal feedback; And to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inversion angle, which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback, in the course of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the interruption of the application of the operating power, And applying a cushioning power to reduce the rate of temperature change of the substrate.

Here, the thermal inversion hall angle may be set such that, when the operating power source is interrupted, the user can perform the thermoelectric action based on the initial temperature even though the temperature of the contact surface is the same as the temperature changed by the thermoelectric action based on the initial temperature This means that you feel the temperature in the opposite direction to the temperature changed by the heat.

Here, the buffer power source may be a power source in the same direction as the operating power source.

Here, at least one of the voltage and the current may be smaller than the operating power of the buffer power source.

Here, in the step of applying the buffer power, at least one of the voltage and the current of the buffer power may be reduced while the buffer power is applied.

Here, in the step of applying the buffer power source, the buffer power source in the form of a duty signal can be applied.

Here, when the operating power source is applied in the form of a duty signal, the duty ratio of the buffer power source may be smaller than the duty rate of the operating power source.

Here, in the step of applying the buffer power, the duty ratio of the buffer power may be reduced while the buffer power is applied.

Here, the thermoelectric element is provided as a thermocouple array including a plurality of individually controllable thermoelectric couple groups, and in the step of applying the buffer power, the buffer power is applied only to a part of the plurality of thermoelectric couple groups .

Here, the number of thermocouple groups to which the buffer power is applied may be smaller than the number of thermocouple groups to which the operating power is applied among the plurality of thermocouple groups.

Here, the number of the thermoelectric couple groups to which the buffer power is applied may be reduced while the buffer power is applied.

Here, in the step of applying the buffer power, the buffer power may be applied after waiting for a predetermined period of time after the application of the operating power is stopped, without applying power.

Here, the feedback device may perform the step of adjusting the intensity of the thermal feedback to a plurality of intensities, and applying the buffer power only when the intensity of the thermal feedback is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity.

Wherein the feedback device is further configured to adjust the intensity of the thermal feedback to a plurality of intensities and obtain the intensity of the thermal feedback; Generating the operating power based on the magnitude of the thermal feedback; And determining whether the buffer power is applied according to whether the intensity of the thermal feedback is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element for performing a thermoelectric operation including at least one of a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation; a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric device for the thermoelectric conversion; A thermal output module that includes a contact surface that is provided in contact with the body part of the user and that outputs thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated by the thermoelectric action to the user through the contact surface; And a control circuit for applying operating power to the power terminal for starting outputting of the thermal feedback, stopping the application of the operating power for termination of the output of the thermal feedback, In order to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inverse hallucination which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback in the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface to the initial temperature, a buffer power source for reducing the rate of temperature change of the contact surface is applied A feedback device may be provided.

Here, the thermal inversion hall angle may be set such that, when the operating power source is interrupted, the user can perform the thermoelectric action based on the initial temperature even though the temperature of the contact surface is the same as the temperature changed by the thermoelectric action based on the initial temperature This means that you feel the temperature in the opposite direction to the temperature changed by the heat.

Here, the buffer power source may be a power source in the same direction as the operating power source.

Here, at least one of the voltage and the current may be smaller than the operating power of the buffer power source.

Here, the feedback controller may reduce at least one of a voltage and a current of the buffer power source while the buffer power is applied.

Here, the feedback controller may apply the buffer power in the form of a duty signal.

Here, when the operating power source is applied in the form of a duty signal, the duty ratio of the buffer power source may be smaller than the duty rate of the operating power source.

Here, the feedback controller may reduce the duty ratio of the buffer power while the buffer power is applied.

Here, the thermoelectric element is provided as a thermocouple array including a plurality of individually thermocouple controllable groups, and the feedback controller can apply the buffering power only to a part of the plurality of thermocouple groups.

Here, the number of thermocouple groups to which the buffer power is applied may be smaller than the number of thermocouple groups to which the operating power is applied among the plurality of thermocouple groups.

Here, the feedback controller may reduce the number of thermocouple groups to which the buffer power is applied while the buffer power is applied.

Here, the feedback controller may wait for a predetermined period of time after the application of the operating power is stopped, and then apply the buffer power after waiting for a predetermined time.

Here, the thermal output module may adjust the intensity of the thermal feedback to a plurality of intensities, and the feedback controller may apply the buffer power only when the intensity of the thermal feedback is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity.

Here, it is preferable that the feedback controller obtains the strength of the thermal feedback, generates the operating power based on the strength of the thermal feedback, and determines whether or not the strength of the thermal feedback is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength Or not.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device including a plurality of thermoelectric elements, each of which includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements, Wherein the thermal feedback is performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback by communicating to the user through a contact surface in contact with a body part of the thermal group, Applying a power source for the thermoelectric conversion operation to the thermoelectric conversion device; And stopping the application of the power supply for output termination of the thermal feedback, wherein in the stopping step, the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action upon return of the power supply is returned to the initial temperature The application of the power to the part of the operation group is stopped so that the temperature change rate of the contact surface is reduced in order to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inverse hallucination which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback, A method of providing thermal feedback to stop the application of the power to the rest of the group may be provided.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a thermoelectric device comprising a thermoelectric element provided in a thermocouple array comprising a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups each performing thermoelectric action comprising at least one of a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation, A power supply terminal for supplying power for the thermoelectric conversion, and a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and in contact with the body part of the user, wherein heat generated by the thermoelectric action is transmitted to the user through the contact surface A thermal output module for outputting thermal feedback; And applying power for the thermoelectric action to an actuation group that is at least a portion of the plurality of thermocouple groups for initiating output of the thermal feedback and ceasing application of the power source for output termination of the thermal feedback, In order to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inversion angle, which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback, in the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the termination of the application, And a feedback controller for stopping the application of the power to some of the operation groups so as to be reduced and then stopping the application of the power to the rest of the operation groups.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content playback apparatus that is interlocked with a content playback device that drives a multimedia content including a game and a sensible application, acquires an operation of the user used for the multimedia content, A gaming controller for providing thermal feedback to provide experience, comprising: a casing including a gripper gripped by a user and defining an appearance of the gaming controller; An input module for receiving a user input according to an operation of the user; A communication module for communicating with the content reproduction device; A power supply terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element, and a contact surface for transmitting heat generated by the thermoelectric action of the thermoelectric element to the user, the contact surface being provided in the grip portion, A thermal output module for outputting the thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated by the thermoelectric operation to the user; And receiving the user input received via the input module and transmitting the user input to the content reproduction device via the communication module and receiving information about the thermal feedback from the content reproduction device via the communication module Selecting an operating voltage among a plurality of predetermined voltage values based on the intensity of the thermal feedback according to the information of the thermal feedback and generating an operating power based on the operating voltage, The control circuit stops application of the operating power so as to terminate the output of the thermal feedback and selects a buffering voltage lower than the operating voltage among the plurality of predetermined voltage values, Generating a buffer power supply based on the buffering voltage, In order to prevent the user from feeling a thermal heat transfer angle which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback in the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the application interruption of the contact surface, And a controller for applying a buffer power for reducing the rate of temperature change of the gaming controller.

Here, the controller determines whether the power application direction is a forward direction or a reverse direction based on whether the type of the thermal feedback is warm feedback or cold feedback, and if the operation power and the buffer power are in the determined power application direction .

Here, the intensity of the thermal feedback may include a first intensity and a second intensity that is stronger than the first intensity, and the predetermined plurality of voltage values may include a first voltage value and a second voltage value larger than the first voltage value Wherein the controller selects the operating voltage as the first voltage value when the intensity of the thermal feedback is the first intensity and the operating voltage when the intensity of the thermal feedback is the second intensity, May be selected as the second voltage value, and the buffer voltage may be selected as the first voltage value when the operation voltage having the second voltage value is discontinued.

Here, the controller may apply the buffer power only when the operating power is interrupted when the operating voltage is greater than the first voltage value.

Here, the intensity of the thermal feedback further includes a third intensity that is stronger than the second intensity, the predetermined plurality of voltage values include a third voltage value that is greater than the second voltage value, The operation voltage is selected as the third voltage value when the intensity of the thermal feedback is the third intensity and the buffer voltage is set to the first voltage value when the operation power source having the third voltage value is stopped You can choose.

Here, the intensity of the thermal feedback further includes a third intensity that is stronger than the second intensity, the predetermined plurality of voltage values include a third voltage value that is greater than the second voltage value, The operation voltage is selected as the third voltage value when the intensity of the thermal feedback is the third intensity and the buffer voltage is set to the first voltage value and the second voltage value when the operation power supply having the third voltage value is interrupted, The second voltage value may be first applied and then the first voltage value may be applied when the buffer power source is applied.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, heat generated by a thermoelectric operation including a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation of a thermoelectric element to which power is supplied is transmitted to the user through a contact surface contacting the user's body part, A method of providing thermal feedback performed by a feedback device, comprising: obtaining a type of thermal feedback comprising warm feedback and cold feedback; Applying operating power for starting the output of the thermal feedback to the thermoelectric element in consideration of the kind of the thermoelectric feedback; Stopping the application of the operating power for ending the output of the thermal feedback; And a cushioning power source for preventing the user from feeling a thermal inversion hallulence which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback in the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the application of the operating power, Generating the thermal feedback according to the kind of the thermal feedback; And applying the buffer power to the thermoelectric element to reduce the rate of temperature change of the contact surface.

Here, the buffer power source may have a voltage value that is smaller than the voltage of the operating power source and different from each other depending on the kind of the thermal feedback.

Generating the buffer power having the first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generating the buffer power when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, And generating the buffer power source having a voltage value.

The generating step may include generating the buffer power source having the first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generating the buffer power source having the second voltage value smaller than the first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback. And generating the buffer power source having a voltage value.

Here, the buffer power source may have a current value that is smaller than the voltage of the operating power source and different from each other depending on the type of thermal feedback.

The generating step may include generating the buffer power source having the first current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generating the buffer power source having the second current value larger than the first current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback. And generating the buffer power source having a current value.

The generating step may include generating the buffer power source having the first current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generating the buffer power source having the second current value smaller than the first current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback. And generating the buffer power source having a current value.

Here, the ratio of the voltage of the buffer power source to the operating power source may be smaller than " 1 " and may differ from each other depending on the type of thermal feedback.

Here, the step of applying the operating power supply may include the steps of applying operating power having a first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and applying an operating power having a second voltage value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback Generating the buffered power supply having a third voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback; and applying a fourth voltage when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Wherein the ratio of the third voltage value to the first voltage value may be greater than the ratio of the fourth voltage value to the second voltage value.

Here, the step of applying the operating power supply may include the steps of applying operating power having a first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and applying an operating power having a second voltage value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback Generating the buffered power supply having a third voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback; and applying a fourth voltage when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, The ratio of the third voltage value to the first voltage value may be smaller than the ratio of the fourth voltage value to the second voltage value.

Here, the ratio of the current of the buffer power source to the operating power source may be smaller than " 1 " and may differ from each other depending on the type of thermal feedback.

Here, the step of applying the operating power supply includes the steps of applying operating power having a first current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and applying an operating power having a second current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback Generating the buffered power supply having a third current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generating a fourth current when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Wherein the ratio of the third current value to the first current value may be greater than the ratio of the fourth current value to the second current value.

Here, the step of applying the operating power supply includes the steps of applying operating power having a first current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and applying an operating power having a second current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback Generating the buffered power supply having a third current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generating a fourth current when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Wherein the ratio of the third current value to the first current value may be smaller than the ratio of the fourth current value to the second current value.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, heat generated by a thermoelectric operation including a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation of a thermoelectric element to which power is supplied is transmitted to the user through a contact surface contacting the user's body part, A method of providing thermal feedback performed by a feedback device, comprising: obtaining a type of thermal feedback comprising warm feedback and cold feedback; Applying operating power for starting the output of the thermal feedback to the thermoelectric element in consideration of the kind of the thermoelectric feedback; Stopping the application of the operating power for ending the output of the thermal feedback; Obtaining a buffer time that is set differently according to the kind of the thermal feedback; And to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inversion angle, which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback, in the course of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the interruption of the application of the operating power, And applying a cushioning power to the thermoelectric element during the buffering time so as to reduce the rate of temperature change of the thermosensitive element.

Here, the step of applying the buffer power may include applying the buffer power for a first time when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and applying the buffer power for a second time when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, And applying the buffer power for a predetermined period of time.

Here, the step of applying the buffer power may include applying the buffer power for a first time when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and applying the buffer power during the first time when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, And applying the buffer power for a predetermined period of time.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, heat generated by a thermoelectric element provided in a thermocouple array including a plurality of thermocouple groups, each of which performs a thermoelectric operation including a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation, The method comprising the steps of: obtaining a type of the thermal feedback including a warm feedback and a cold feedback, the thermal feedback being performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback by communicating to the user via a contact surface in contact with the thermal feedback; Applying operating power for starting the output of the thermal feedback to an operation group that is at least a part of the plurality of thermocouple groups in consideration of the kind of the thermoelectric feedback; And stopping the application of the operating power for output termination of the thermal feedback; Determining a buffer group including a smaller number of the thermo couple groups than the operation group in consideration of the type of the thermal feedback; And to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inversion angle, which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback, in the course of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the interruption of the application of the operating power, And applying a buffer power to the buffer group so that the rate of temperature change of the buffer group is reduced.

Wherein the determining comprises: if the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, including a first number of the thermo couple groups in the buffer group, and if the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, And a second number of the thermocouple groups greater than the number of the thermocouple groups.

Wherein the determining step comprises the steps of: if the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, including a first number of the thermo couple groups in the buffer group; and if the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, And including a second number of the thermocouple groups less than one.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, heat generated by a thermoelectric element provided in a thermocouple array including a plurality of thermocouple groups, each of which performs a thermoelectric operation including a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation, The method comprising the steps of: obtaining a type of the thermal feedback including a warm feedback and a cold feedback, the thermal feedback being performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback by communicating to the user via a contact surface in contact with the thermal feedback; Applying a power source for starting the output of the thermal feedback to an operation group that is at least a part of the plurality of thermoelectric couple groups taking into consideration the kind of the thermoelectric feedback; And stopping the application of the power supply for output termination of the thermal feedback, wherein in the stopping step, the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action upon return of the power supply is returned to the initial temperature The user stops the application of the power source to a part of the operation group such that the temperature change rate of the contact surface is reduced in order to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inverse hallucination which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback, A method of providing thermal feedback to stop the application of the power to the rest of the group may be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device including: a thermoelectric element that performs a thermoelectric operation including a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation; a power supply terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric device for the thermoelectric conversion; A thermal output module including a contact surface contacting the body part of the user and outputting thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated by the thermoelectric action to the user through the contact surface; And a controller for acquiring a kind of the thermal feedback including a warm feedback and a cold feedback and applying operating power for starting the output of the thermal feedback to the thermoelectric element in consideration of the kind of the thermoelectric feedback, In the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the interruption of the application of the operating power, And a feedback controller for generating a cushioning power source for preventing the sensation of the inverse hallucination according to the kind of the thermal feedback and applying the cushioning power source to the thermoelectric element to reduce the rate of temperature change of the contact surface .

Here, the buffer power source may have a voltage value that is smaller than the voltage of the operating power source and different from each other depending on the kind of the thermal feedback.

Here, the feedback controller generates the buffer power having the first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generates the second voltage value that is greater than the first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback Can be generated.

Here, the feedback controller generates the buffer power having the first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generates the second voltage value < RTI ID = 0.0 > Can be generated.

Here, the buffer power source may have a current value that is smaller than the voltage of the operating power source and different from each other depending on the type of thermal feedback.

Here, the feedback controller generates the buffer power having the first current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generates the second current value larger than the first current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback Can be generated.

Here, the feedback controller generates the buffer power having the first current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and generates the second current value smaller than the first current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback Can be generated.

Here, the ratio of the voltage of the buffer power source to the operating power source may be smaller than " 1 " and may differ from each other depending on the type of thermal feedback.

Here, the feedback controller applies an operating power source having a first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and an operating power source having a second voltage value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Generating the buffer power having the third voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback and generating the buffer power having the fourth voltage value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, The ratio of the third voltage value to the second voltage value may be greater than the ratio of the fourth voltage value to the second voltage value.

Here, the feedback controller applies an operating power source having a first voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and an operating power source having a second voltage value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Generating the buffer power having the third voltage value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback and generating the buffer power having the fourth voltage value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, The ratio of the third voltage value to the second voltage value may be smaller than the ratio of the fourth voltage value to the second voltage value.

Here, the ratio of the current of the buffer power source to the operating power source may be smaller than " 1 " and may differ from each other depending on the type of thermal feedback.

Here, the feedback controller applies an operating power source having a first current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and an operating power source having a second current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Generates the buffer power having the third current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback and generates the buffer power with the fourth current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, The ratio of the third current value to the second current value may be greater than the ratio of the fourth current value to the second current value.

Here, the feedback controller applies an operating power source having a first current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and an operating power source having a second current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Generates the buffer power having the third current value when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback and generates the buffer power with the fourth current value when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, The ratio of the third current value to the second current value may be smaller than the ratio of the fourth current value to the second current value.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device including: a thermoelectric element that performs a thermoelectric operation including a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation; a power supply terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric device for the thermoelectric conversion; A thermal output module including a contact surface contacting the body part of the user and outputting thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated by the thermoelectric action to the user through the contact surface; And a controller for acquiring a kind of the thermal feedback including a warm feedback and a cold feedback and applying operating power for starting the output of the thermal feedback to the thermoelectric element in consideration of the kind of the thermoelectric feedback, And a control unit for controlling the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature according to the stop of application of the operating power source A feedback controller for applying a buffer power to the thermoelectric element during the buffering period to reduce the rate of temperature change of the contact surface in order to prevent the user from feeling the thermally induced hallucination which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback during the returning process; A feedback device may be provided.

Here, the feedback controller applies the buffer power for a first time when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and the buffer power for a second time greater than the first time when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback .

Here, the feedback controller applies the buffer power for a first time when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and the buffer power for a second time that is less than the first time when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Can be applied.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a thermoelectric device comprising a thermoelectric element provided in a thermo couple array comprising a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups each performing a thermoelectric operation including a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation, And a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and in contact with a body part of the user, wherein heat generated by the thermoelectric action is transmitted to the user through the contact surface, thereby providing thermal feedback A thermal output module for outputting; And an operating power source for starting the output of the thermal feedback is applied to at least a part of the plurality of thermocouple groups in consideration of the kind of the thermoelectric feedback, And stops the application of the operating power to terminate the output of the thermal feedback and determines a buffer group including a smaller number of the thermo couple groups than the operation group in consideration of the kind of the thermal feedback, In order to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inversion angle, which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback, in the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature, A buffer power is applied to the buffer group A feedback device including a can be provided; feedback controller.

Here, the feedback controller may include a first number of the thermo couple groups in the buffer group when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, and may include a first number of the thermo pair groups in the buffer group when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, And a second large number of said thermopile groups can be included.

Wherein the feedback controller includes a first number of the thermo couple groups in the buffer group when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback and if the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > thermocouple < / RTI > group.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a thermoelectric device comprising a thermoelectric element provided in a thermo couple array comprising a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups each performing a thermoelectric action including a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation, And a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and in contact with a body part of the user, wherein heat generated by the thermoelectric action is transmitted to the user through the contact surface, thereby providing thermal feedback A thermal output module for outputting; And a power supply for starting the output of the thermal feedback is applied to an operation group which is at least a part of the plurality of thermocouple groups in consideration of the kind of the thermoelectric feedback, And a controller that stops application of the power source to terminate the output of the thermal feedback, wherein in the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the interruption of the power supply, The application of the power to the part of the operation group is stopped so that the temperature change rate of the contact surface is reduced in order to prevent the user from feeling the thermal inverse hallucination which is a thermal hallucination, A feedback device including a feedback controller It can gongdoel.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element provided in a thermoelectric couple array including a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups, Performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback including warming feedback, cold feedback and thermal sensation feedback by communicating heat generated by a thermoelectric action involving motion to the user through a contact surface that contacts the body part of the user, A first group of the plurality of thermocouple groups is supplied with a positive power for the heating operation and a second group of the plurality of thermocouple groups By applying a reverse power for the heat absorption operation to the group, Controlling to perform the thermal grill operation; And stopping the application of the forward power source and the backward power source in order to terminate the output of the thermal sensation feedback but differently controlling the stopping point of the forward power source and the power source stopping time of the backward power source, A providing method may be provided.

In this case, a portion of the contact surface that is adjacent to the first group that performs the heat generating operation and a portion that performs the heat absorbing operation of the contact surface, And returning the region adjacent to the second group to the initial temperature at substantially the same time point.

Here, in the controlling step, in order to exclude the user from sensing the thermal sensation by the thermal sensation feedback, the temperature rise amount of the first group due to the heat generation operation is controlled so that the temperature rise amount of the second group Wherein the control unit applies the reverse power having a voltage value or a current value larger than that of the forward power so as to be smaller than the temperature lowering amount, And the first group having a small temperature increase amount may be stopped earlier than the normal power source so that the first group has a thermal equilibrium at an initial temperature.

In order to prevent the contact surface from thermally equilibrium at a temperature higher than the initial temperature due to the residual heat generated by the thermoelectric operation at the time of stopping the application of the forward power and the backward power, It can be stopped earlier than the reverse power supply.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element provided as a thermoelectric couple array including a first thermo couple group performing a heat generating operation and a second thermo couple group performing a heat absorbing operation; And a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and in contact with the body part of the user, wherein the heat generated in the first thermo pair group and the heat generated in the second thermo pair group, A heat output module for outputting heat sensation feedback by transmitting cold heat to the user through the contact surface; And applying a positive power for the heat generating operation to the first thermocouple group and a negative power for the heat absorbing operation to the second thermocouple group to start the outputting of the heat trap feedback, Wherein the controller is configured to control the controller to perform a thermal grill operation for outputting thermal sensation feedback and to suspend the application of the forward power and the reverse power for termination of the output of the thermal sensation feedback, And a feedback controller for differently adjusting the suspension time point.

Here, the feedback controller adjusts the application stop time of the forward power and the stop time of the reverse power differently so that a portion of the contact surface adjacent to the first thermo couple group performing the heat generation operation, The portion adjacent to the second group performing the heat absorbing operation can be returned to the initial temperature at substantially the same time.

In order to prevent the user from sensing the thermal sensation by the thermal sensation feedback, the feedback controller controls the temperature of the first group in accordance with the heat generation operation to the second group of temperatures The second group having a larger voltage value or a larger current value than the forward power source and having a larger temperature decrease amount when the forward power source and the backward power source are interrupted, The reverse power may be interrupted prior to the forward power so that the first group is thermally balanced at an initial temperature.

In order to prevent the contact surface from thermally equilibrium at a temperature higher than the initial temperature due to the residual heat generated by the thermoelectric operation when the normal power supply and the reverse power supply are interrupted, It can be stopped before the reverse power.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element provided in a thermoelectric couple array including a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups, Performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback including warming feedback, cold feedback and thermal sensation feedback by communicating heat generated by a thermoelectric action involving motion to the user through a contact surface that contacts the body part of the user, A first group of the plurality of thermocouple groups is supplied with a positive power for the heating operation and a second group of the plurality of thermocouple groups By applying a reverse power for the heat absorption operation to the group, Controlling to perform the thermal grill operation; Stopping the application of the forward power source and the backward power source for output termination of the thermal sensation feedback; And applying auxiliary power to at least one group of the first group and the second group such that the contact surface returns to an initial temperature.

Here, in the stopping step, the forward power source and the backward power source can be stopped at the same time.

Here, in the controlling step, in order to exclude the user from sensing the thermal sensation by the thermal sensation feedback, the temperature rise amount of the first group due to the heat generation operation is controlled so that the temperature rise amount of the second group Wherein the control unit applies the reverse power having a voltage value or a current value larger than that of the forward power so as to be smaller than the temperature lowering amount, And the auxiliary power source may be applied in the same direction as the normal power source so that the first group having a small temperature rise amount has thermal equilibrium at the initial temperature.

Here, in the controlling step, in order to exclude the user from sensing the thermal sensation by the thermal sensation feedback, the temperature rise amount of the first group due to the heat generation operation is controlled so that the temperature rise amount of the second group Wherein the control unit applies the reverse power having a voltage value or a current value larger than that of the forward power so as to be smaller than the temperature lowering amount, And a second group of the first groups is applied with a first auxiliary power to the first group so that the first group having the small temperature rise amount is thermally balanced at the initial temperature, Wherein the first auxiliary power supply and the second auxiliary power supply are in the same direction as the forward power supply, The voltage value is, at least one of a current value and duration to be larger than the other auxiliary power.

In order to prevent the contact surface from thermally equilibrium at a temperature higher than the initial temperature due to the residual heat generated by the thermoelectric operation at the time of stopping the application of the forward power and the backward power, And may be applied in the same direction as the reverse power source.

In order to prevent the contact surface from being thermally equilibrated at a temperature higher than the initial temperature due to the residual heat generated by the thermoelectric operation at the time of stopping the application of the forward power and the backward power, And a second auxiliary power source which is opposite in polarity to the first auxiliary power source and the second auxiliary power source is applied to the second group, wherein the first auxiliary power source and the second auxiliary power source At least one of the voltage value, the current value and the application time of the auxiliary power in the direction may be larger than the other auxiliary power.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element provided as a thermoelectric couple array including a first thermo couple group performing a heat generating operation and a second thermo couple group performing a heat absorbing operation; And a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and in contact with the body part of the user, wherein the heat generated in the first thermo pair group and the heat generated in the second thermo pair group, A heat output module for outputting heat sensation feedback by transmitting cold heat to the user through the contact surface; And applying a positive power for the heat generating operation to the first thermocouple group and a negative power for the heat absorbing operation to the second thermocouple group to start the outputting of the heat trap feedback, Controlling the first thermoelectric power supply to perform a thermal grill operation for outputting thermal sensory feedback, stopping the application of the forward power and the reverse power for the output end of the thermal sensory feedback, And a feedback controller for applying an auxiliary power to at least one group of the first thermocouple group, the paired group, and the second thermocouple group.

Here, the feedback controller may simultaneously stop the forward power source and the backward power source.

In order to prevent the user from sensing the thermal sensation by the thermal sensation feedback, the feedback controller controls the temperature of the first thermocouple group in accordance with the heat-generating operation so that the temperature increase amount of the first thermocouple group, The second thermoelectric couple group having a larger voltage value or a larger current value than the forward power source and having a larger temperature decrease amount when the normal power source and the inverse power source are interrupted, The auxiliary power supply may be applied in the same direction as the normal power supply so that the first thermocouple group having a small temperature rise amount is thermally balanced at the initial temperature.

In order to prevent the user from sensing the thermal sensation by the thermal sensation feedback, the feedback controller controls the temperature of the first thermocouple group in accordance with the heat-generating operation so that the temperature increase amount of the first thermocouple group, The second thermoelectric couple group having a larger voltage value or a larger current value than the forward power source and having a larger temperature decrease amount when the normal power source and the inverse power source are interrupted, A first sub power source is applied to the first thermo couple group so that the first thermo couple group having a small temperature rise amount is thermally balanced at the initial temperature, The first auxiliary power supply and the second auxiliary power supply are applied with the second auxiliary power supply, At least one of the voltage value, the current value and the application time of the auxiliary power source in the same direction may be larger than the other auxiliary power sources.

In order to prevent the contact surface from thermally equilibrium at a temperature higher than the initial temperature due to the residual heat generated by the thermoelectric operation when the normal power supply and the reverse power supply are interrupted, It can be applied in the same direction as the reverse power source.

In order to prevent the contact surface from being thermally balanced at a temperature higher than the initial temperature owing to the residual heat generated by the thermoelectric action when the forward power source and the reverse power source are interrupted, the feedback controller controls the first thermoelectric couple Group is applied to a first thermo-couple group and a second thermo-electric power source is applied to the second thermo-couple group in a direction opposite to a power application direction, At least one of the voltage value, the current value and the application time of the auxiliary power in the same direction as the power supply may be larger than the other auxiliary power.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, heat generated by a thermoelectric operation including at least one of a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation of a thermoelectric element to which power is supplied is transmitted to the user through a contact surface contacting the user's body part, CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A method of providing thermal feedback performed by a feedback device that outputs feedback, comprising: obtaining a start message requesting an output of the thermal feedback; Applying an actuation power to the thermoelectric element for initiating output of the thermal feedback according to the initiation message if the initiation message is obtained; Stopping the application of the operating power for ending the output of the thermal feedback; In order to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inversion angle, which is a thermal hallucination opposite to the thermal feedback, in the course of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric action to the initial temperature in accordance with the interruption of the application of the operating power, Performing a buffer operation to reduce the rate of temperature change; And stopping the buffering operation when the start message is newly acquired during execution of the buffering operation and applying an operating power source for starting the output of the thermal feedback according to the newly obtained start message to the thermoelectric element May be provided.

Here, the initiation message may include a time of providing the thermal feedback, and the step of stopping the application of the operating power may be performed after the operating power is applied during the provision of the thermal feedback.

Here, the method may further include obtaining a termination message requesting termination of the output of the thermal feedback, and stopping the application of the operating power when the termination message is obtained.

Here, the step of stopping the application of the operating power may be performed after the operating power is applied for a predetermined time.

Here, the buffering operation may be performed by decreasing at least one of the voltage value and the current value of the operating power source.

Here, the thermoelectric element is provided as a thermoelectric couple array including a plurality of individually controllable thermoelectric couple groups, and the step of performing the damping operation includes the steps of: May be performed by decreasing the number of pairs of groups.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a communication module for communicating with a content reproduction device for driving multimedia content comprising a game and a sensible application; A thermoelectric element for performing a thermoelectric operation including at least one of a heat generating operation and a heat absorbing operation; a power supply terminal for supplying a power for the thermoelectric conversion to the thermoelectric element; A thermal output module for outputting thermal feedback for providing thermal experience to the user by transmitting heat generated by the thermoelectric action to the user through the contact surface; Receiving an initiation message requesting the output of the thermal feedback through the communication module and, when the initiation message is received, applying an operating power source for starting outputting of the thermal feedback according to the initiation message to the thermoelectric element, The user stops the application of the operating power for ending the output of the feedback, and in the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface changed by the thermoelectric operation to the initial temperature according to the interruption of the application of the operating power, A buffer operation is performed to reduce the rate of temperature change of the contact surface in order to prevent the user from feeling a thermal inversion hallucination which is a thermal hallucination, and when the start message is newly received through the communication module during the buffer operation, And transmits the start message to the newly received start message A feedback device including a can be provided; other feedback controller for applying a working power source for an output start of the thermal feedback to the thermoelectric device.

Here, the initiation message may include a time for providing the thermal feedback, and the feedback controller may stop the application of the operating power after applying the operating power for the provision time of the thermal feedback.

Here, the controller may receive a termination message requesting termination of the output of the thermal feedback through the communication module, and may stop the operation of the operating power when the termination message is received.

Here, the feedback controller may stop applying the operating power after applying the operating power for a predetermined time.

Here, the feedback controller may perform the buffering operation by reducing at least one of a voltage value and a current value of the operating power source.

Here, the thermoelectric element is provided as a thermocouple array including a plurality of individually thermocouple controllable groups, and the feedback controller controls the number of the thermocouple groups to which the operating power is applied among the plurality of thermocouple groups The buffer operation can be performed.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing thermal feedback performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback by communicating heat generated by a powered thermoelectric device to a user through a contact surface that contacts a body part of a user The method comprising: obtaining a start message of the thermal feedback including a kind of the thermal feedback; And outputting the thermal sensation feedback by performing a thermal grill operation in which the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are combined when the kind of the thermal feedback is thermal sensory feedback, Applying a constant voltage for the heat generating operation to the thermoelectric element, applying a reverse voltage to the thermoelectric element opposite to the constant voltage and the power applying direction for the heat absorbing operation, applying the constant voltage, A method of providing thermal feedback including a step of alternately repeating the step of applying a voltage may be provided.

Here, each of the application time of the constant voltage and the application time of the reverse voltage may be less than or equal to the perception time required for the user to feel warmth according to the heat generation operation or to feel cold feeling according to the heat absorption operation.

Here, in the step of outputting the thermal sensation feedback, the application time of the constant voltage may be adjusted to be smaller than the application time of the reverse voltage in order to minimize the feeling of warmth or cold feeling by the heat sensation feedback.

Here, the ratio of the application time of the reverse voltage to the application time of the constant voltage may be 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.

Here, in the step of outputting the thermal sensation feedback, the application time of the constant voltage and the application time of the reverse voltage are the same, and the temperature rise amount of the contact surface due to the constant voltage is equal to the temperature fall amount The voltage value or the current value of the constant voltage may be adjusted to be smaller than the voltage value or the current value of the reverse voltage.

Here, in the step of outputting the heat sensation feedback, the voltage value of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage may be adjusted so that the ratio of the temperature decrease amount to the temperature increase amount is 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.

Here, the product of the ratio of the application time of the reverse voltage to the application time of the constant voltage and the ratio of the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface due to the reverse voltage to the temperature rise amount of the contact surface due to the constant voltage may be 1.5 or less and 5.0 or less have.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device comprising: a communication module for communicating with an external device; A thermoelectric element that receives a power supply and performs a heat generating operation or a heat absorbing operation, a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element, and a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and contacting the body part of the user, A heat output module for outputting thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated by the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation to the user; And receiving the thermal feedback start message including the type of the thermal feedback from the external device through the communication module, and when the type of the thermal feedback is thermal feedback feedback, the thermal output module performs the heating operation and the endothermic And a controller for applying a constant voltage for the heating operation to the thermoelectric element and a controller for applying a constant voltage for the heating operation to the thermoelectric element, A feedback device may be provided which controls the thermal output module to perform the thermal grill operation by applying an opposite reverse voltage alternately and repeatedly.

Here, each of the application time of the constant voltage and the application time of the reverse voltage may be less than or equal to the perception time required for the user to feel warmth according to the heat generation operation or to feel cold feeling according to the heat absorption operation.

Here, the controller may adjust the application time of the constant voltage to be smaller than the application time of the reverse voltage in order to minimize the user's feeling of warmth or cold feeling due to the thermal sensation feedback.

Here, the ratio of the application time of the reverse voltage to the application time of the constant voltage may be 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.

Here, the controller may be configured such that the constant voltage application time and the reverse voltage application time are the same, and the positive voltage is applied to the contact surface so that the temperature rise amount of the contact surface by the constant voltage is smaller than the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface by the reverse voltage The voltage value or the current value can be adjusted to be smaller than the voltage value or the current value of the reverse voltage.

Here, in the step of outputting the heat sensation feedback, the voltage value of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage may be adjusted so that the ratio of the temperature decrease amount to the temperature increase amount is 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.

Here, the product of the ratio of the application time of the reverse voltage to the application time of the constant voltage and the ratio of the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface due to the reverse voltage to the temperature rise amount of the contact surface due to the constant voltage may be 1.5 or less and 5.0 or less have.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, heat generated in a thermoelectric element provided in a thermocouple array comprising a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups, each of which is individually operated, is transmitted to the user through a contact surface in contact with a body part of the user A method of providing thermal feedback performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback, comprising: alternately applying a constant voltage for a heating operation and a reverse voltage for a heat absorbing operation to a first group of the plurality of thermocouple groups; Applying the reverse voltage to the second group of the plurality of thermocouple groups while applying the constant voltage to the first group and applying the constant voltage while applying the reverse voltage to the first group; And a step of outputting heat trap feedback by the thermoelectric element performing the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation at the same time.

Here, the alternating periods of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage may be larger than the delay time used until the contact surface reaches the temperature at which the contact surface is sensed by the user from the heat generating operation or the start of the heat absorbing operation, respectively.

Here, the constant voltage application time and the reverse voltage application time are the same, and the voltage value or current of the constant voltage such that the temperature rise amount of the contact surface by the constant voltage is smaller than the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface by the reverse voltage. Value can be adjusted to be smaller than the voltage value or the current value of the reverse voltage.

Here, the voltage value of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage may be adjusted so that the ratio of the temperature decrease amount to the temperature rise amount is 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device comprising: a communication module for communicating with an external device; A thermoelectric element provided in a thermocouple array including a first thermoelectric couple group and a second thermoelectric couple group which operate individually, a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element, and a power terminal provided on one side of the thermoelectric element, A thermal output module that includes a contact surface that contacts the region and outputs thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated by the thermoelectric element to the user through the contact surface; And a control module configured to control the thermoelectric element to simultaneously perform the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation to receive a start message indicating an output of the thermal sensation feedback through the communication module, Group voltage is applied to the first group and the reverse voltage is applied to the second group while the positive voltage is applied to the first group, And a controller for applying the constant voltage while the reverse voltage is applied.

Here, the alternating periods of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage may be larger than the delay time used until the contact surface reaches the temperature at which the contact surface is sensed by the user from the heat generating operation or the start of the heat absorbing operation, respectively.

Here, the constant-voltage application time and the reverse-voltage application time are the same, and the controller is configured to set the constant voltage so that the temperature increase amount of the contact surface due to the constant voltage is smaller than the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface due to the reverse voltage. The voltage value or the current value can be adjusted to be smaller than the voltage value or the current value of the reverse voltage.

Here, the controller may adjust the voltage value of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage so that the ratio of the temperature drop amount to the temperature rise amount is 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, heat generated in a thermoelectric element provided in a thermocouple array comprising a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups, each of which is individually operated, is transmitted to the user through a contact surface in contact with a body part of the user A method of providing thermal feedback performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback, comprising: applying a constant voltage for a heating operation to a portion of the plurality of thermocouple groups; Applying a reverse voltage for a heat absorbing operation to another portion of the plurality of thermocouple groups while the constant voltage is applied to the thermocouple group; And outputting heat trapping feedback by simultaneously performing the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation by the thermoelectric element, wherein the temperature lowering of the contact surface by the heat absorbing operation with respect to the temperature rising amount of the contact surface by the heat generating operation And the product of the ratio of the ratio of the amount of heat generated in the heat transfer operation to the area of the thermoelectric couple group of the other part performing the heat absorption operation with respect to the area of the thermoelectric couple group is not less than 1.5 and not more than 5.0 .

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device comprising: a communication module for communicating with an external device; A thermoelectric element provided in a thermocouple array including a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups each of which operates individually, a power terminal for supplying power from the thermoelectric element, and a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and in contact with the body part of the user, And a thermal output module for outputting thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated from the thermoelectric element to the user through the contact surface; And a controller configured to receive a message requesting output of thermal sensation feedback through the communication module and to cause the thermoelectric element to simultaneously perform the exothermic operation and the exothermic operation so that the thermoelectric module outputs thermal sensation feedback, And a feedback controller for applying a constant voltage for a heat generating operation to a part of the pair group and applying a reverse voltage for a heat absorbing operation to another part of the plurality of thermoelectric couple groups while the constant voltage is applied to the thermoelectric couple group Wherein the ratio of the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface due to the heat absorption operation to the temperature rise amount of the contact surface due to the heating operation and the ratio of the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface to the other A feedback device in which the product of the ratio of the area of some thermoelectric couple groups is 1.5 to 5.0 It can be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element array formed of unit thermoelectric elements; a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element array; and a power terminal provided on one side of the thermoelectric element, A heat output module including a contact surface for transmitting heat generated by the heat generating module to a user; And a controller for applying power to the power terminal so that the heat output module performs a heat operation or an endothermic operation, wherein the controller controls the heat output module such that the heat output module performs a heat operation or an endothermic operation to output thermal feedback Wherein the first voltage is applied for a predetermined time and the second voltage is applied for a predetermined time in order to reduce the temperature change rate of the contact surface when the first voltage for termination of the thermal feedback is cut off at the predetermined time and the time, A voltage having a small magnitude in the same direction as the first voltage is applied to prevent the thermal inversion hallucing.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element array formed of unit thermoelectric elements; a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element array; A thermal output module including a contact surface for transmitting heat generated by the device to a user; And a controller for applying power to the power terminal so that the heat output module performs a heat operation or an endothermic operation, wherein the controller controls the heat output module such that the heat output module performs a heat operation or an endothermic operation to output thermal feedback The method comprising the steps of: applying a first voltage for a predetermined period of time; determining whether the first voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude; shutting off the power supply when the first voltage is less than a predetermined size, Wherein when the first voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a voltage lower than the first voltage is applied after the predetermined time passes to reduce a temperature change rate of the contact surface to prevent a thermal inversion hallucination. May be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element array formed of unit thermoelectric elements; a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element array; A thermal output module including a contact surface for transmitting heat generated by the device to a user; And a controller for applying power to the power terminal so that the heat output module performs a heat operation or an endothermic operation, wherein the controller controls the heat output module such that the heat output module performs a heat operation or an endothermic operation to output thermal feedback Wherein the controller determines whether the first voltage is applied for a predetermined period of time and whether the thermal feedback is a warm feedback or a cold feedback when the first voltage for shutting down the thermal feedback is interrupted during the predetermined period of time, The first feedback control unit applies a voltage lower than the first voltage during a first time period in case of the warm feedback which is thermal feedback and a second voltage lower than the first voltage during a second time longer than the first time in case of the cold feedback, By applying a low voltage, it is possible to reduce the rate of temperature change of the contact surface, A feedback device, characterized in that for performing the operations may be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element array formed of unit thermoelectric elements; a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element array; A thermal output module including a contact surface for transmitting heat generated by the device to a user; And a controller for applying power to the power terminal so that the thermal output module performs a heating operation or a heat absorbing operation, wherein the controller applies power to the thermal output module according to a feedback start command to output thermal feedback The thermal feedback is terminated by turning off the power according to the feedback end command, and a voltage lower than a voltage applied for the thermal feedback is applied during the buffering time at the end of the thermal feedback, Wherein when the new feedback start command is obtained during the buffering time, the buffering operation is stopped and the power for the new feedback is applied.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element array formed of unit thermoelectric elements; a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element array; A thermal output module including a contact surface for transmitting heat generated by the device to a user; And a controller for applying power to the power terminal so that the heat output module performs a heating operation and / or a heat absorbing operation, wherein the controller determines a type of feedback to be performed, And applies an electric signal of a duty cycle type in which a constant voltage and a reverse voltage are alternately arranged, to the heat output module.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion device comprising: a thermoelectric element array including a plurality of thermoelectric element groups each of which is composed of electrically connected unit thermoelectric elements and which are individually controllable; a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element array; A thermal output module provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and including a contact surface for contacting the body part of the user and transmitting heat generated by the thermoelectric element to a user; And a controller for applying power to the power terminal so that the heat output module performs a heating operation and / or a heat absorbing operation, wherein the controller determines a type of feedback to be performed, The ratio of the area occupied by the first thermoelectric element group to the area occupied by the first thermoelectric element group and the first thermoelectric element group and the second thermoelement element group among the plurality of thermoelement element groups is determined to be a predetermined ratio And a feedback device is provided in which a constant voltage is applied to the first thermoelectric element group and a reverse voltage is applied to the second thermoelectric element group to output a neutral thermal sensor.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric element array including a first thermoelectric element group and a second thermoelectric element group which are made of electrically connected unit thermoelectric elements and have the same area but can be individually controlled, A thermal power module including a power terminal for supplying power to the array and a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and contacting the body part of the user to transmit heat generated by the thermoelectric element to a user; And a controller for applying power to the power terminal so that the heat output module performs a heating operation and / or a heat absorbing operation, wherein the controller determines a type of feedback to be performed, The first electric signal is applied to the first thermoelectric element group and the second electric signal is applied to the second thermoelectric element group, and the first electric signal and the second electric signal are subjected to alternating Wherein a constant voltage section of the first electric signal and a reverse voltage section of the second electric signal coincide with each other and a constant voltage section of the second electric signal and a reverse voltage section of the first electric signal coincide with each other May be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric element array including a first thermoelectric element group and a second thermoelectric element group which are made of electrically connected unit thermoelectric elements and have the same area but can be individually controlled, A thermal power module including a power terminal for supplying power to the array and a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and contacting the body part of the user to transmit heat generated by the thermoelectric element to a user; And a controller for applying power to the power terminal so that the heat output module performs a heating operation and / or a heat absorption operation, wherein the controller is configured to induce a plurality of levels of constant voltage and cold feedback to induce warm feedback A plurality of levels of reverse voltages are applied to each of the first and second thermoelectric element groups so as to determine a type of feedback to be performed, and when the type of the feedback is thermal grill feedback, Wherein the level of the constant voltage is lower than the level of the reverse voltage.

1. Feedback device

Hereinafter, a feedback device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The feedback device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that provides thermal feedback to a user. In particular, the feedback device 100 may provide thermal feedback to the user by performing a heating operation or an endothermic operation to apply heat to the user or absorb heat from the user.

1.1. Thermal feedback

Thermal feedback is a type of thermal stimulation that stimulates the user's thermal sense mainly by stimulating the thermal sensory organs distributed in the user's body. In this specification, the thermal feedback is a comprehensive stimulation of the user's thermal sensory organs .

Representative examples of thermal feedback include warm feedback and cold feedback. The warm feedback means applying a warmth to a hot spot distributed on the skin so that the user feels warm and the cold feedback is to apply a cold heat to a cold spot distributed on the skin so that the user feels cold feeling it means.

Here, since the column is a physical quantity represented by a positive scalar shape, the expression 'applying cold heat' may not be strictly expressed from a physical point of view, but in the present specification, for convenience of description, And the opposite phenomenon, that is, a phenomenon in which heat is absorbed, is referred to as cold heat is applied.

In addition, thermal feedback in this specification may further include thermal grill feedback in addition to warm feedback and cold feedback. When the heat and the cold are given at the same time, the user perceives it as a sensation instead of recognizing it as individual warmth and cold sensation. This sensation is referred to as a so-called thermal grill (TGI). That is, the thermal grill feedback means thermal feedback that applies a combination of heat and cold heat, and can be provided mainly by simultaneously outputting warm feedback and cold feedback. Thermal grill feedback may also be referred to as thermal sensory feedback in terms of providing a sensation close to intuition. A more detailed description of the thermal grill feedback will be provided later.

1.2. Application example of feedback device

The feedback device 100 providing the thermal feedback described above may be implemented in various forms. Hereinafter, some representative implementations of the feedback device 100 will be described.

1.2.1. Gaming controller

One exemplary embodiment of the feedback device 100 is the gaming controller 100a.

Here, the gaming controller 100a may mean an input means for receiving a user's operation in a game environment. The gaming controller 100a plays a role of receiving a user operation used in a game in cooperation with various devices for driving games such as a game console device, a computer, a tablet, and a smart phone. Of course, in the case of a portable game machine, the gaming controller 100a may be integrated into the device itself.

Recently, the game environment has been changed from the conventional form reflecting the user's operation on the game screen outputted through the conventional TV or monitor, and the user can use the Oculus Rift TM or Microsoft's Hololens ) TM or a head mounted display (HMD) such as a head mounted display device (HMD) is being transformed into a virtual reality or augmented reality. In such a new game environment, the gaming controller 100a is expanding its role as an output means for providing various feedbacks to a user in order to increase the immersion feeling of a game by moving away from a simple input means. For example, Sony's Dual Shock ™ for Playstation ™ is equipped with a vibration function that outputs tactile feedback to the user.

The feedback device 100 implemented in the gaming controller 100a herein may provide a user with thermal feedback to add a thermal sensation that the user has not previously felt to the game as an interactive element to induce higher game immersion .

1 through 7 relate to a gaming controller 100a in an embodiment of a feedback device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The gaming controller 100a may be a conventional type 100a-1 (for example, a gaming controller 100a-1) similar to that shown in FIG. 1, such as an input means for interfacing with a Sony PlayStation or Microsoft's Xbox And an input means for interfacing with a Wii TM of Nintendo, as well as a one-handed bar type 100a-2 similar to that shown in Fig.

In particular, the bar-type gaming controller 100a is a type suitable for receiving a user operation in an augmented reality or a virtual reality environment in recent years, and is similar to the one shown in Fig. 3 in that a move motion ) TM or a pair of bar types 100a-3 gripped on both hands, such as the input means for HTC's Vive TM.

In addition, the gaming controller 100a mainly includes a wheel type 100a-4 similar to that shown in Fig. 4 used in a racing game, a joystick type 100a-5 similar to that shown in Fig. 5 used in a flight simulator game, (100a-6) similar to that shown in FIG. 6 used in a shooter (FPS: First Person Shooter) game or a mouse type 100a-7 similar to that shown in FIG. 7 commonly used in a computer gaming environment .

The above-described gaming controller 100a may be designed to provide thermal feedback to the user through a site in contact with the user's body (e.g., the user's palm surface). Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a portion that provides thermal feedback to a user's body, that is, a contact surface 1600, is displayed in each type of gaming controller 100a. Of course, the position of the contact surface 1600 is not limited to the drawings, and it is needless to say that the contact surface 1600 may be provided in the gaming controller 100a in a portion different from the drawing.

1.2.2. A wearable device

Other embodiments of feedback device 100 may consider wearable device 100b.

Here, the wearable device 100b may mean a device that is worn on the user's body and performs various functions. In recent trends toward pursuing more convenient technologies, various wearable devices 100b have been developed with increasing interest in a human-machine interface (HMI). The wearable device 100b is provided with a thermal feedback function A new user experience can be made possible.

8-14 illustrate a wearable device 100b in an embodiment of a feedback device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The wearable device 100b includes a glass type 100b-1 to be worn like glasses as shown in Fig. 8, an HMD type 100b-1 to be worn on the head to implement VR, AR, 2), a watch type 100b-3 or a band type 100b-4 to be worn on the wrist similarly to those shown in Figs. 10 and 11, a suit type A glove type 100b-6 that can be put in the hand like a glove similar to that shown in Fig. 13, a shoe type 100b-7 that can be put on like shoes as shown in Fig. 14, and the like As such, the name is being developed in various forms mounted on each part of the user's body.

As with the gaming controller 100a described above, the wearable device 100b can also be designed to provide thermal feedback to the user through a site in contact with the user's body. Referring to Figs. 8 to 14, a portion for providing thermal feedback to the user's body, i.e., the contact surface 1600, is shown in each type of wearable device 100b. Of course, the position of the contact surface 1600 is not limited to the drawings, and it is of course possible to provide the contact surface 1600 in the wearable device 100b at a portion different from the view.

1.2.3. etc

Although the gaming controller 100a and the wearable device 100b have been described above as examples of the feedback device 100, the embodiment of the feedback device 100 is not limited thereto.

Substantially the feedback device 100 may be implemented with any device in which the thermal feedback function is usefully utilized. For example, the feedback device 100 may be applied to a medical device for testing a patient's thermal sensation, or may be provided with a steering wheel (not shown) of a vehicle for the purpose of providing a moderate heat sensation in the hands of the driver, . In addition, the feedback device 100 may be used in an educational facility or a chair of a movie theater to provide a sense of heat to the student to enhance the educational effect, thereby providing the user with a thermal sensation in addition to the audiovisual sense, It might be.

Together, the feedback device is a device for outputting thermal feedback that utilizes thermal feedback to provide thermal experience associated with the multimedia content during playback of multimedia content, such as games, moving images, and tactile applications, including VR / AR applications It can be used in a wide range of fields. To this end, the feedback device can be interlocked with a content playback device such as a game console or a PC, which drives multimedia contents provided mainly in the form of a game and a sensible application. Of course, according to the development of technology, the feedback device itself may also serve as a content reproduction device for driving multimedia contents.

For thermal feedback

1.3. Configuration of Feedback Device

Hereinafter, the configuration of the feedback device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

15 is a block diagram of a feedback device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the feedback device 100 may include an application unit 2000 and a feedback unit 1000. Here, the application unit 2000 is a unit for performing a unique function according to the implementation of the feedback device 100, and the feedback unit 1000 is a unit for outputting thermal feedback.

Thus, the application unit 2000 can be suitably designed according to the implementation of the feedback device 100. [ For example, in the case of a feedback device 100 that is a gaming controller 100a type that is interlocked with a game console, the application unit 2000 includes a casing of the gaming controller 100a, a communication module for communication with the game console, An input module for receiving input, an application controller for controlling overall operation of the gaming controller 100a, and the like. As another example, in the case of the wearable device 100b, which is a suit type, the application unit 2000 may include a suit member constituting a suit, a sensing module for sensing a user's body signal, and the like.

Alternatively, the feedback unit 1000 can be somewhat varied in its application form depending on the implementation of the feedback device 100, but it is basically a configuration for generating or absorbing heat, a configuration for controlling heat generation / So that the heat is transferred to the heat exchanger.

Hereinafter, the feedback unit 1000 will be described first, and then the configuration of the application unit 2000 in some embodiments of the feedback device 100 and the manner of interlocking with the feedback unit 1000 will be described.

1.3.1. Feedback unit

16 is a block diagram related to the configuration of the feedback unit 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, the feedback unit 1000 may include a thermal output module 1200, a feedback controller 1400, and a contact surface 1600. The feedback unit 1000 may be configured such that the feedback controller 1400 controls the thermal output module 1200 to selectively or simultaneously perform a heating operation or an endothermic operation and transmits thermal and cold heat to the user through the contact surface 1600, Can be provided.

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the feedback unit 1000 will be described in more detail.

1.3.1.1. Heat Output Module

The heat output module 1200 may perform an exothermic operation or an exothermic operation. Here, the heat output module 1200 may use a thermoelectric element such as a Peltier element to perform the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation.

The Peltier effect is a thermoelectric phenomenon discovered by Jean Peltier in 1834. When a different kind of metal is bonded and then the current flows, an exothermic reaction occurs on one side and a cooling reaction occurs on the other side This means the phenomenon that occurs. Peltier devices are devices that produce such a Peltier effect. Peltier devices are initially made of dissimilar metal assemblies such as bismuth and antimony, but in recent years they have been manufactured in such a way that NP semiconductors are arranged between two metal plates to have higher thermoelectric efficiency .

The Peltier device is able to instantly induce heat and endothermic currents on both metal plates when current is applied and to convert heat and endothermic currents according to the current direction and to adjust the heat and endothermic degree relatively precisely according to the amount of current, It is suitable to be used for heat generation operation and heat absorption operation. In particular, as the flexible thermoelectric device has been developed, it is possible to manufacture the flexible thermoelectric device in a form that can be easily contacted to the user's body, and thus the possibility of commercial use as the feedback device 100 is increasing.

Accordingly, the heat output module 1200 can perform the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation as electricity is applied to the thermoelectric element. Although the exothermic reaction and the endothermic reaction occur at the same time in the thermoelectric elements that are physically supplied with electric power, in the present specification, heat generated by the surface of the heat output module 1200, which is in contact with the user's body, Is defined as an endothermic operation. For example, a thermoelectric element can be formed by disposing an N-P semiconductor on a substrate. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat is generated at one side and heat is absorbed at the other side. Here, if the side facing the body of the user is the front side and the opposite side is the back side, heat generation at the front side and heat absorption at the rear side are defined for the heat output module 1200 to be a heat generation operation, and conversely, Endothermic reaction, and heat generation at the backside can be defined as performing an endothermic operation.

Since the thermoelectric effect is induced by the electric charge flowing in the thermoelectric element, it is possible to describe the electric current inducing the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation of the heat output module 1200 from the viewpoint of current. However, It will be described in terms of voltage. However, this is merely for the sake of convenience of description, and it is understood that a person having a general knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs (hereinafter referred to as a "person skilled in the art" It should be noted that the present invention should not be construed as limited in terms of the voltage, since it is not necessary to cause accidents.

As described above, the thermal output module 1200 may be implemented in various forms including a thermoelectric element. A more detailed description of the configuration and the configuration of the thermal output module 1200 will be described later.

1.3.1.2. Feedback controller

The feedback controller 1400 may control the overall operation of the feedback unit 1000. For example, the feedback controller 1400 may control the thermal output module 1200 to apply a voltage to a thermoelectric element of the thermal output module 1200 to perform a heating operation or an endothermic operation. The feedback controller 1400 may also perform signal processing between the application unit 2000 and the feedback unit 1000.

To this end, the feedback controller 1400 performs various operations of information and processes and outputs an electric signal to the thermal output module 1200 according to the processing result, thereby controlling the operation of the thermal output module 1200. Thus, the feedback controller 1400 may be implemented as a computer or similar device depending on the hardware, software, or combination thereof. The hardware of the feedback controller 1400 may be provided in the form of an electronic circuit that processes an electrical signal to perform a control function, and may be provided in a form of a program or a code for driving a hardware circuit in software. In the following description, the operation of the feedback unit 1000 can be interpreted as being performed by the control of the feedback controller 1400 unless otherwise specified.

1.3.1.3. Contact surface

The contact surface 1600 directly contacts the user's body to transmit heat or cold heat generated by the heat output module 1200 to the user's skin. In other words, a portion of the outer surface of the feedback device 100 that is in direct contact with the user's body may be the contact surface 1600. For example, in a gaming controller 100a of the type shown in FIG. 1, a portion held by the user with both hands may be the contact surface 1600, and in the wearable device of the style shown in FIG. 12, May be all or part of the contact surface 1600.

In one example, the contact surface 1600 may be provided as a layer that is directly or indirectly attached to the outer surface of the heat output module 1200 (the body direction of the user). This type of contact surface 1600 may be disposed between the thermal output module 1200 and the skin of the user to perform heat transfer between the thermal output module 1200 and the user. To this end, the contact surface 1600 may be provided with a material having a high thermal conductivity so that heat transfer from the heat output module 1200 to the user's body is well performed. The layer type contact surface 1600 also prevents direct exposure of the thermal output module 1200 to the outside, thereby protecting the thermal output module 1200 from external impacts.

Here, the layer-type contact surface 1600 may have a larger area than the outer surface of the heat output module 1200 to secure a wider heat transfer surface in terms of area. For example, the contact surface 1600 can be the entire inner surface of the chute, even though the thermal output module 1200 is located at some specific location in the suit-type feedback device 100. [

In the above description, the contact surface 1600 is disposed on the heat output module 1200, but the outer surface of the heat output module 1200 itself may be the contact surface 1600. Specifically, a part or all of the front surface of the heat output module 1200 may be the contact surface 1600. [ In the above description, the contact surface 1600 in the feedback unit 1000 has been described as being a component equivalent to the thermal output module 1200, but it is also possible that the thermal output module 1200 includes the contact surface 1600.

1.3.1.4. Configuration and type of heat output module

In the above description, the thermal output module 1200 performs the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation using the thermoelectric element. Hereinafter, the configuration and the form of the thermal output module 1200 will be described in detail.

First, the configuration of the thermal output module 1200 will be described.

The thermal output module 1200 may include a thermoelectric element including a thermoelectric couple array 1240 disposed between the substrate 1220 and the substrate 1220 and a power terminal 1260 for applying power to the thermoelectric element.

The substrate 1220 serves to support the unit thermocouples 1241 and is provided as an insulating material. For example, ceramics can be selected as the material of the substrate 1220. The substrate 1220 may have a flat plate shape, but this is not necessarily the case.

The substrate 1220 may be provided with a flexible material so as to be universally used for various kinds of feedback devices 100 having the heat output module 1200 having contact surfaces 1600 of various shapes. For example, in the feedback device 100 of the gaming controller 100a type, the portion where the user grasps the gaming controller 100a with the palm of the hand is a curved surface. In this case, the heat output module 1200 is used It may be important for the thermal output module 1200 to have flexibility. An example of the flexible material used for the substrate 1220 for this purpose is glass fiber or flexible plastic.

The thermocouple array 1240 is composed of a plurality of unit thermocouples 1241 arranged on a substrate 1220. [ As the unit thermocouples 1241, different pairs of metals (for example, bismuth and antimony) can be used, but mainly N-type and P-type semiconductor pairs can be used.

In the unit thermocouple 1241, the semiconductor pair is electrically connected at one end and electrically connected to the unit thermocouple 1241 at the other end. Electrical connection between the semiconductor pairs or adjacent semiconductor is achieved by a conductor member 1242 disposed on the substrate 1220. [ The conductor member 1242 may be a lead or an electrode such as copper or silver.

The unit thermocouples 1241 may be electrically connected in series and the unit thermocouples 1241 connected in series may form thermocouple groups 1244 and the thermocouple groups 1244 may be thermocouple arrays 1240).

The power terminal 1260 may apply power to the thermal output module 1200. The thermocouple array 1240 can generate heat or absorb heat according to the voltage value of the power source applied to the power source terminal 1260 and the direction of the current. More specifically, the power terminals 1260 may be connected to one thermocouple group 1244 by two. Therefore, when there are a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups 1244, two power terminals 1260 may be arranged for each thermoelectric couple group 1244. [ According to this connection method, the voltage value or the current direction can be individually controlled for each thermoelectric couple group 1244, and it is possible to control whether heat generation or endothermic generation is performed and the degree of heat generation or endothermic generation can be controlled.

As will be described later, the power supply terminal 1260 receives the electrical signal output by the feedback controller 1400, and as a result, the feedback controller 1400 adjusts the direction or size of the electrical signal, It is possible to control the heat generation operation and the heat absorption operation. When a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups 1244 are provided, it is also possible to separately control the electric signals applied to the power terminals 1260 individually for each thermoelectric couple group 1244.

Some exemplary aspects of the thermal output module 1200 will be described based on the description of the configuration of the thermal output module 1200 described above.

17 is a view of one embodiment of a heat output module 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, in a form of the heat output module 1200, a pair of substrates 1220 are provided facing each other. A contact surface 1600 is positioned outside one of the two substrates 1220 to transmit heat generated by the heat output module 1200 to the user's body. Further, when the substrate 1220 is used as the flexible substrate 1220, the heat output module 1200 can be provided with flexibility.

A plurality of unit thermoelectric pairs 1241 are positioned between the substrates 1220. Each thermoelectric couple 1241 is composed of a semiconductor pair of an N-type semiconductor 1241a and a P-type semiconductor 1241b. The N-type semiconductor and the P-type semiconductor are electrically connected to each other at one end by a conductor member 1242 in each unit thermoelectric couple 1241. The other ends of the N-type semiconductor and the P-type semiconductor of the unit thermoelectric couple 1241 are electrically connected to each other by the other end of the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor of the adjacent unit thermoelectric couple 1241 and the conductor member 1242 The electrical connection between the unit elements is achieved. Accordingly, the unit thermocouples 1241 are connected in series to form one thermocouple group 1244. In this embodiment, since the entire thermoelectric couple array 1240 includes one thermoelectric couple group 1244 and all of the unit thermoelectric pairs 1241 are connected in series between the power terminals 1260, The same operation is performed over the entire front surface. That is, when the power is applied to the power terminal 1260 in one direction, the heat output module 1200 performs the heat generation operation, and when the power is applied in the opposite direction, the heat output module 1200 can perform the heat absorption operation.

18 is a view showing another embodiment of the heat output module 1200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 18, another form of the heat output module 1200 is similar to the above-described one form. In this embodiment, the thermocouple array 1240 has a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244 and each thermocouple group 1244 is connected to the respective power terminals 1260, Control is possible. For example, in FIG. 18, currents in different directions are applied to the first thermocouple group 1244-1 and the second thermocouple group 1244-2 so that the first thermocouple group 1244-1 generates heat (The current direction at this time is referred to as " forward direction ") and the second thermo couple group 1244-2 may perform heat absorption operation (the current direction at this time is referred to as " reverse direction "). For example, a different voltage value may be applied to the power terminal 1260 of the first thermo couple group 1244-1 and the power terminal 1260 of the second thermo pair group 1244-2, The group 1244-1 and the second thermocouple group 1244-2 may perform the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation to a degree different from each other.

In FIG. 18, the thermoelectric couple groups 1244 are arranged in a one-dimensional array in the thermoelectric couple array 1240. Alternatively, the thermoelectric couple groups 1244 may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. 19 is a view of another embodiment of a heat output module 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 19, the use of the thermocouple group 1244 arranged in a two-dimensional array enables more detailed operation control for each region.

In the meantime, in the above-described embodiments of the heat output module 1200, a pair of opposed substrates 1220 are used. Alternatively, a single substrate 1220 may be used.

20 is a view of yet another embodiment of a heat output module 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 20, a unit thermoelectric couple 1241 and a conductor member 1242 may be disposed on a single substrate 1220 in such a manner that the thermoelectric couple 1241 and the conductor member 1242 are fixed to a single substrate 1220. It is possible to use glass fiber or the like as the substrate 1220 for this purpose. By using a single substrate 1220 of this type, it is possible to give the heat output module 1200 more flexibility. Alternatively, the unit thermoelectric couple 1241 or the conductor member 1242 may be buried in a void or the like in the substrate by using the porous substrate as a single substrate 1220.

Various forms of the heat output module 1200 described above can be combined or modified within a range that is obvious to a person skilled in the art. For example, in each mode of the thermal output module 1200, the contact surface 1600 is formed on the front surface of the thermal output module 1200 as a separate layer from the thermal output module 1200. However, the thermal output module 1200 May be the contact surface 1600 itself. For example, in one form of the heat output module 1200 described above, the outer surface of one substrate 1220 can be the contact surface 1600. [

1.3.2. Application unit

The application unit 2000 of the feedback device 100 will be described below. As described above, the application unit 2000 can be appropriately designed as a unit for performing its own functions according to the implementation behavior of the feedback device 100. [ The feedback device 100 of the present invention can be utilized in any form where thermal feedback can be effectively utilized and thus is substantially difficult to describe in the feedback device 100 the application unit 2000 for all implementations The application unit 2000 will be described with reference to the gaming controller 100a type.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a configuration of an application unit 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of an application unit 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

21 and 22, the application unit 2000 includes a casing 2100, an input module 2200, a sensing module 2300, a vibration module 2400, a communication module 2500, a memory 2600, And a controller 2700.

The casing 2100 forms the appearance of the feedback device 100 of the gaming controller 100a type and accommodates the components such as the communication module 2500 and the application controller 2700 therein. The housings thus housed can be protected from external shock or the like by the casing 2100.

The entire shape of the casing 2100 may be mainly a pad type for both hands and a bar type for one hand, but is not limited thereto. For reference, the two-handed pad type is mainly used for games based on traditional 2D displays, and the bar type is used for virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality (MR).

The casing 2100 may be provided with a gripper 2120 for gripping the feedback device 100 by the user. The grip portion 2120 may be made of a material having a high frictional force (e.g., rubber or urethane) or may have a non-slip shape (e.g., irregular shape, etc.) Also, the grip portion 2120 may be made of a material that absorbs perspiration generated from the user's skin.

Here, the contact surface 1600 of the feedback unit 1000 may be formed in the grip portion 2120, or the contact portion 1600 may correspond to the grip portion 2120. In the case of the pad type gaming controller 100a, there may be two grippers 2120, and in the case of the bar type gaming controller 100a, the grippers 2120 may be located in one place. Instead, the bar-type gaming controller 100a may be used as a pair of two gaming controllers. In this case, the gaming controller 100a may have a gripper 2120, respectively.

Input module 2200 may obtain user input from a user. In the gaming controller 100a, the user input is mainly a user command for the game, for example, character manipulation in the game, menu selection, and the like. The input module 2200 can be a button or stick, and the user can input a user input by pressing a button or manipulating the stick in a specific direction. Of course, the input module 2200 is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment.

The sensing module 2300 may sense various information related to the gaming controller 100a. Examples of the typical sensing module 2300 include an orientation sensor for sensing the attitude of the gaming controller 100a or a motion sensor for sensing the operation of the gaming controller 100a and a biosensor for sensing a user's body signal . A gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor can be used as the attitude sensor or the motion sensor. The biosensor may include a temperature sensor for sensing a user's body temperature or an electrocardiogram sensor for sensing an electrocardiogram.

The vibration module 2400 may output vibration feedback. Vibration feedback can serve to further enhance user engagement with the game, along with thermal feedback. For example, vibration feedback may occur when a character in a game is caught in an explosion scene, or when a character falls in a high position and is shocked. On the other hand, as will be described later, the vibration feedback and the thermal feedback can be interlocked with each other.

The communication module 2500 performs communication with an external device. The gaming controller 100a may be a standalone type game console or a gaming console. The gaming controller 100a may be a gaming console or an electronic device for executing a game program such as a PC (including a game console professionally manufactured for game driving, A portable game console, a PC, a smart phone, a tablet, or the like, which emphasizes a game, may be an electronic device for driving the game, but they may be operated in cooperation with a 'game console' hereinafter). Accordingly, the gaming controller 100a can transmit / receive various information to / from the game console through the communication module 2500. [

The communication module 2500 is largely divided into a wire type and a wireless type. Since the wired type and the wireless type have advantages and disadvantages, a wired type and a wireless type may be provided at the same time in one gaming controller 100a.

In the case of wired type, USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication is a representative example, but other methods are also possible. In the case of the wireless type, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) based communication method such as Bluetooth or Zigbee is mainly used. However, since the wireless communication protocol is not limited to this, the wireless communication module 2500 may use a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) communication method such as Wi-Fi or other known communication methods Do. On the other hand, it is also possible to use a proprietary protocol developed by a game manufacturer as a wired / wireless communication protocol.

The memory 2600 may store various types of information. The memory 2600 may store data temporarily or semi-permanently. Examples of the memory 2600 include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) This can be. The memory 2600 may be provided in a form embedded in the feedback device 100 or in a detachable form in the feedback device 100. [

The memory 2600 may store various data necessary or used for operation of an operating system (OS) or feedback device 100 for driving the feedback device 100. [

The application controller 2700 may perform control of the application unit 2000 and overall control of the feedback device 100. For example, the application controller 2700 may transmit the user input inputted to the input module 2200 or the attitude information of the gaming controller 100a sensed by the sensing module 2300 to the game console using the communication module 2500 Conversely, the communication module 2500 may receive a vibration signal from the game console to cause the vibration sensor to generate vibration feedback. The application controller 2700 receives the thermal feedback request signal from the game console through the communication module 2500 and transmits the thermal feedback request signal to the feedback controller 1400 so that the feedback controller 1400 controls the thermal output module 1200, Feedback may be generated.

The above-described control operation can be performed as the application controller 2700 performs calculation and processing of various information. To this end, the application controller 2700 may be implemented as a computer or similar device depending on hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In hardware, the application controller 2700 may be provided in the form of an electronic circuit that processes an electrical signal to perform a control function, and may be provided in a form of a program or a code for driving a hardware circuit in software.

The application controller 2700 of the application unit 2000 and the feedback controller 1400 of the feedback unit 1000 may be physically separated, but may also be provided in a single physical configuration. In other words, the application controller 2700 and the feedback controller 1400 may be fabricated on separate chips and may cooperate through communication interfaces between the two, but may functionally function as the application controller 2700 and the feedback controller 1400 It is also possible to design with a single chip performing all of them. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the application controller 2700 and the feedback controller 1400 will be described as being functionally separated, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

As described above, the feedback device 100 may be implemented in various forms other than the gaming controller 100a described above. If some or all of the contents described in the gaming controller 100a are different from those of the feedback device 100 ) Of course. In addition, the gaming controller 100a is not necessarily used only for a game, and it can be used for various applications such as a virtual reality technique, an experience application using an augmented reality technique, an educational application, a medical application, and the like.

2. Operation of Feedback Device

Hereinafter, the operation of the feedback device 100 will be described.

The feedback device 100 can basically provide thermal feedback. Thermal feedback may include warm feedback, cold feedback, and thermal grill feedback. The feedback device 100 may provide the thermal feedback described above by the feedback unit 1000 performing a heating operation or an endothermic operation selectively or simultaneously.

The feedback device 100 may also provide thermal feedback at various intensities. The intensity of the thermal feedback can be adjusted in such a manner that the feedback controller 1400 of the feedback unit 1000 adjusts the magnitude of the voltage applied to the thermal output module 1200. [

The feedback device 100 may also perform an operation to prevent damage to the user's skin, etc., that receives heat through the contact surface 1600 when providing thermal feedback. This can be done by adjusting the intensity or time to provide thermal feedback by controlling the electrical signal that the feedback controller 1400 of the feedback unit 1000 applies to the thermal output module 1200. [

The feedback device 100 may also perform an operation to remove thermal inverse hallucinations. Thermal inversion is a phenomenon in which the user feels the opposite sensation of thermal feedback that is terminated at the end of the thermal feedback, and the feedback device 100 can eliminate the thermal inversion hall by providing a buffer period at the end of the thermal feedback.

The feedback device 100 may also perform a thermal transfer operation in which thermal feedback moves. Thermal migration can mean providing the user with a sense of heat transfer on contact surface 1600 using a thermoelectric element provided to thermocouple array 1240 comprised of a plurality of individually controllable thermo couple pairs 1244 have.

Hereinafter, various operations of the feedback device 100 will be described in more detail.

2.1. Providing thermal feedback

Hereinafter, the operation of providing the thermal feedback by the above-described feedback unit 1000 will be described. The thermal feedback provided by the feedback unit 1000 is based on a heat generating operation providing warmth to the user and a heat absorbing operation providing cold feeling. The feedback unit 1000 may also perform a thermal grill operation in which a heating operation and an endothermic operation are combined to provide a thermal sensation to the user, as a kind of thermal feedback.

Hereinafter, the heat generating operation, the heat absorbing operation and the heat grill operation and the heat transfer operation will be described in more detail.

2.1.1. Heat / heat absorption operation

The feedback unit 1000 may perform a heating operation to the thermal output module 1200 to provide warm feedback to the user. Similarly, the heat output module 1200 may perform a heat absorbing operation to provide cold feedback to the user.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a heat generating operation for providing warm feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a graph relating to strength of warm feedback in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 23, the heating operation may be performed by inducing an exothermic reaction in the direction of the contact surface 1600 as the feedback controller 1400 applies a forward current to the thermocouple array 1240. Here, when the feedback controller 1400 applies a constant voltage (hereinafter referred to as a "constant voltage") to the thermocouple array 1240, the thermocouple array 1240 starts the heat generating operation, 1600 is raised to the saturation temperature with time as shown in Fig. Therefore, the user feels that the user does not feel warm or weak feeling at the beginning of the heat generation operation, feels warmth until the temperature reaches the saturation temperature, and then provides warm feedback corresponding to the saturation temperature after a certain period of time has elapsed do.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a heat absorbing operation for providing cold feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a graph illustrating strength of cold feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention.

25, an endothermic operation may be performed by inducing an endothermic reaction in the direction of the contact surface 1600 as the feedback controller 1400 applies a reverse current to the thermocouple array 1240. Referring to FIG. Here, when the feedback controller 1400 applies a constant voltage (hereinafter referred to as a reverse voltage) to the thermocouple array 1240, the thermocouple array 1240 starts the heat absorbing operation, The temperature of the fuel cell 1600 rises to the saturation temperature with time as shown in Fig. Therefore, the user feels that the user does not feel cold feeling at the beginning of the heat absorbing operation, feels weak, feels that the cool feeling rises until reaching the saturation temperature, and then receives the cool feeling feedback corresponding to the saturation temperature after a certain time has elapsed do.

When a power is applied to a thermoelectric element, in addition to an exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction occurring on both sides of the thermoelectric element, electric energy is converted into thermal energy and heat is generated. Therefore, when a voltage of the same magnitude is applied to the thermal output module 1200 by changing only the direction of the current, the temperature change amount due to the heat generation operation may be larger than the temperature change amount due to the heat absorption operation. Here, the temperature change amount means the temperature difference between the initial temperature and the saturation temperature in a state in which the thermal output module 1200 is not operated.

Hereinafter, the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation performed by the thermoelectric element using electric energy will be collectively referred to as " thermoelectric conversion operation ". In addition, since the thermal grill operation to be described below is also a combined operation of the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation, the thermal grill operation can also be interpreted as a kind of 'thermoelectric operation'.

2.1.1.1. Strength control of heat / heat absorption operation

As described above, when the heat output module 1200 performs the heat generation operation or the heat absorption operation, the feedback controller 1400 controls the degree of heat generation or heat absorption degree of the heat output module 1200 by adjusting the magnitude of the applied voltage . Therefore, the feedback controller 1400 can adjust the direction of the current to select the type of thermal feedback to provide during the warm feedback and the cold feedback, and adjust the magnitude of the voltage to adjust the strength of the warm feedback or cold feedback.

27 is a graph showing the strength of warm / cool feedback using voltage control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, referring to FIG. 27, the feedback controller 1400 applies the voltage values of the five levels in the forward direction or the backward direction, so that the feedback unit 1000 provides the user with a total of ten columns of the warm feedback 5 step and the cold feedback 5 step Feedback can be provided.

In FIG. 27, the warm feedback and the cold feedback are shown to have the same number of strength classes, respectively. However, the number of strength classes of the warm feedback and the cold feedback must not be the same and may be different from each other.

Here, it is shown that the warm-up feedback and the cold feedback are implemented by changing the current direction using the same-sized voltage value. However, since the magnitude of the voltage value applied for the warm-up feedback and the voltage value applied for the cold feedback Need not be equal to each other.

In particular, when the same voltage is applied to perform the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation, the temperature change amount of the warm-up feedback due to the heat generating operation is generally larger than the temperature change amount due to the heat absorbing operation, It is also possible to apply a voltage higher than the voltage applied to the warm-feeling feedback of the same rating to the same degree of temperature variation in the corresponding strength classes. 28 is a graph relating to warm / cool feedback with the same temperature change amount according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the above description, the voltage value applied to the thermal output module 1200 is controlled to control the intensity of the thermal feedback, but the control of the intensity of the thermal feedback can also be performed by other methods.

For example, when the thermoelectric couple array 1240 of the thermal output module 1200 has a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups 1244 that are individually controllable, the feedback controller 1400 controls the operation for each thermoelectric couple group 1244, Can be adjusted.

FIG. 29 is a graph illustrating the control of the warm / cool feedback intensity through the operation control of each thermoelectric couple group 1244 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 29, when the thermoelectric couple array 1240 is composed of five thermoelectric couple groups 1244-1, 1244-2, 1244-3, 1244-4, and 1244-5, the feedback controller 1400 is a thermoelectric The intensity of the thermal feedback can be adjusted by applying a voltage across all or a portion of the paired group 1244. For example, the feedback controller 1400 may apply a voltage to the entire thermocouples group 1244 to provide the user with the maximum intensity thermal feedback, or apply voltage only to the four thermocouple groups 1244, Or by applying a voltage only to the three thermoelectric couple groups 1244 to provide the user with thermal feedback of intermediate intensity or by applying voltage only to the two thermoelectric couple groups 1244, Feedback can be provided, or only one thermocouple group 1244 can be energized to provide the user with the lowest intensity thermal feedback.

In order to control the intensity of the thermal feedback through the voltage application / non-application of the thermo couple group 1244, the feedback controller 1400 controls the thermo couple group (1244). To this end, the feedback controller 1400 applies a voltage to the thermoelectric couple group 1244 in such a form that the number of consecutive thermoelectric couple groups 1244 to which a voltage is applied or thermoelectric couple groups 1244 to which no voltage is applied is minimized Can be determined. Since the table shown in FIG. 29 takes into consideration the uniformity of the heat distribution, it will be more clearly understood by reference thereto.

As another example, it is also possible for the feedback controller 1400 to adjust the intensity of the thermal feedback by controlling the power application timing. Specifically, the feedback controller 1400 may apply power to the thermocouple array 1240 as an electric signal in the form of a duty signal having a duty cycle to adjust the intensity of thermal feedback.

FIG. 30 is a graph for controlling the warm / cool feedback strength through power supply timing control according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 30, it can be seen that the intensity of the thermal feedback is controlled by adjusting the duty rate of the electric signal.

As described above, by adjusting the intensity of the thermal feedback, it is possible to provide subtle thermal feedback such as strong warmth, weak warmth, strong cold feeling, and weak cold feeling, apart from simply providing warmth and cold feeling to the user. Such various types of thermal feedback can provide a higher degree of immersion for the user in a game environment or a virtual / augmented reality environment, and it is possible to inspect a patient's senses more precisely when applied to a medical device.

In addition to the thermal feedback intensity control method described above, controlling the intensity of the thermal feedback by mixing the voltage control method, the thermocouple group 1244 control (i.e., region-by-region control) method and the duty cycle control method And the combination thereof is merely a matter of course to those skilled in the art, so a description thereof will be omitted.

2.1.2. Thermal grill motion

The feedback unit 1000 may provide thermal grill feedback in addition to warm-up feedback and cooling feedback. Thermal sensation means that when a person's body is stimulated at the same time with the warmth and coldness, it is perceived as a sensation without recognizing it as warmth and cold feeling. Thus, the feedback unit 1000 can provide thermal grill feedback to the user through a thermal grill operation that performs a combination of exothermic and endothermic operations.

Meanwhile, the feedback unit 1000 may perform various types of thermal grill operations to provide thermal grill feedback, which will be described later, after describing the types of thermal grill feedback.

2.1.2.1. Types of thermal grill feedback

Thermal grill feedback may include neutral thermal grill feedback, hot grill feedback, and cold grill feedback.

Here, the neutral column grill feedback, the hot grill feedback, and the cold grill feedback cause the user to generate neutral heat, heat, and cold and heat, respectively. Neutral heat sensation means sensation without feelings of warmness and coldness. Thermal sensation means feeling sensation in addition to warmth, and cold sensation can mean feeling sensation in addition to feeling cold.

Neutral heat sensation is caused when the user feels warmth and cold sensation falls within a predetermined ratio range. The percentage of neutral fever sensation (hereinafter referred to as 'neutral ratio') can be different for each part of the body that is provided with thermal feedback, and even if it is the same body part, it may be slightly different for each individual. In a situation where the strength is given larger than the strength, there is a tendency to feel a neutral heat sensation.

Here, the intensity of the thermal feedback may be the amount of heat that the feedback device 100 applies to the body part that is in contact with the contact surface 1600, or the amount of heat that the feedback device 100 absorbs from the body part. Therefore, when thermal feedback is applied to a certain area for a certain period of time, the intensity of the thermal feedback can be expressed as the difference between the warmth of the target site to which the thermal feedback is applied or the temperature of the cold feeling.

On the other hand, human body temperature is usually between 36.5 and 36.9 ℃, and skin temperature varies from person to person, but it is known to be about 30 ~ 32 ℃ on average. The temperature of the palm is about 33 ℃, which is slightly higher than the average skin temperature. Of course, the temperature values described above may be somewhat different depending on the individual, and even the same person may vary to some extent.

According to one experimental example, it was confirmed that a sensation of neutral heat was felt when a warm feeling of about 40 ° C and a cold sensation of about 20 ° C were given to the palm of 33 ° C. This is due to the warmth of + 7 ° C and coldness of -13 ° C, based on the palm temperature, so the neutral ratio in terms of temperature may be equivalent to 1.86.

As can be seen from the above, in most people, when the warmth and cold sensation are continuously applied to the same sized body area, the skin sensation is expressed by the ratio of the temperature difference caused by the cold sensation to the sensible temperature difference The neutral ratio is in the range of about 1.5 to 5. In addition, the thermal sensation can be felt when the warmth is larger than the neutral ratio, and the cold sensation can be felt when the cold sensation is larger than the neutral ratio.

2.1.2.2. Thermal grill operation with voltage regulation

The feedback unit 1000 may perform a thermal grill operation in a voltage regulating manner. The voltage regulating thermal grill operation can be applied to the feedback unit 1000 in which the thermocouple array 1240 is composed of a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244.

Specifically, in the voltage regulating thermal grill operation, the feedback controller 1400 applies a forward voltage to a part of the thermoelectric couple group 1244 to perform a heat generating operation, and applies a reverse voltage to another part to perform a heat absorbing operation, The heat output module 1200 may be implemented by providing both warm and cold feedback at the same time.

31 is a diagram illustrating a voltage regulating type thermal grill operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 31, a thermocouple array 1240 includes a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244 arranged to form a plurality of lines. Here, the feedback controller 1400 allows the first thermocouple groups 1244-1 (e.g., the thermocouple groups of the odd lines) to perform the heat generating operation and the second thermocouple groups 1244-2 The even thermocouple groups of even lines) can be powered to perform an endothermic operation. If the thermocouple groups 1244 alternately perform the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation according to the line arrangement, the user can receive the warm feeling and the cold sensation at the same time, and as a result, the thermal grill feedback can be provided. Here, the distinction between the odd-numbered lines and the even-numbered lines is arbitrary, and vice versa.

Here, the feedback unit 1000 determines whether the saturation temperature of the first thermocouple groups 1244-1 and the saturation temperature of the second thermocouple groups 1244-2 are in accordance with the neutral ratio So as to provide neutral column grill feedback.

32 is a table of voltages for providing neutral column grill feedback in a voltage regulation scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, referring to FIG. 32, the feedback controller 1400 can apply five constant voltages and reverse voltages to the thermal output module 1200, respectively, and the thermal output module 1200 accordingly generates a five- And assuming the feedback device 100 having the same magnitude of the temperature change amount due to the heat-absorbing operation and the same magnitude of the temperature change amount between the respective grades, if the neutral ratio is set to 3 The feedback controller 1400 applies a constant voltage of the first grade to the first thermocouples group 1244-1 and a constant voltage of the third class to the second thermocouples group 1244-2 By applying a voltage, the thermal output module 1200 can provide neutral thermal power feedback. Similarly, if the neutral ratio is 2.5, the feedback controller 1400 applies a second-order constant voltage to the first thermo couple group 1244-1 and a second thermo couple group 1244-1 to provide neutral thermal grill feedback, -2), a reverse voltage of the fifth grade can be applied. Or the neutral ratio is 4, the feedback controller 1400 outputs the first-level constant voltage to the first thermocouple group 1244-1 and the fourth-class reverse-polarity voltage to the second thermocouple group 1244-2 A voltage can be applied to generate neutral thermal grill feedback. Or if the neutral ratio is 2, the feedback controller 1400 provides a neutral thermal sensation by applying a constant voltage of the first class and a reverse voltage of the second class, or by applying a constant voltage of the second class and a reverse voltage of the fourth class can do. At this time, the neutral neutrality of the electrons (when the first-level constant voltage and the second-class reverse voltage are used) is greater than the latter neutral heat conduction (when the second-class constant voltage and the fourth-class reverse voltage are used) It can be strong. That is, even in the case of thermal grill feedback, its strength can be adjusted. On the other hand, the above description regarding the manner of providing the neutral heat trapping is illustrative, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is not necessary that the number of classes of the thermal feedback is five, and the number of the cold heat and the heat grade may be different. Also, the temperature interval of each grade should not be constant, for example, the voltage interval of each grade may be constant.

The feedback controller 1400 may also provide the hot grill feedback by adjusting the constant voltage and reverse voltage to be below the neutral ratio or by adjusting the neutral grid ratio to be above the neutral ratio.

For example, referring back to FIG. 32, if the neutral ratio is set to 3, the feedback controller 1400 applies the first-level constant voltage to the first thermo couple group 1244-1 and the second thermo-couple group 1244 -2), the heat output module 1200 generates heat sensation and sensation at a ratio lower than the neutral ratio, thereby providing the user with the warm grill feedback feeling of warmth and sensation simultaneously can do. On the other hand, at this time, the constant voltage need not always be the constant voltage used for the neutral column grill feedback. In other words, the feedback controller 1400 may allow the thermal output module 1200 to provide thermal grill feedback using a fourth order of constant voltage and a fourth order of reverse voltage.

In the case of the cold grill feedback, when the feedback controller 1400 sets the neutral ratio to 3 (the first class, the fourth class) or (the first class and the fifth class) (the constant voltage and the reverse voltage) As shown in FIG.

However, in case of providing a hot grill feedback or a cold grill feedback, when the constant voltage and the reverse voltage are applied at a rate largely deviated from the neutral ratio, there is a problem that the user does not feel a sense of enthusiasm. Therefore, / It may be desirable to adjust the rating of the reverse voltage.

2.1.2.3. Thermal grill motion with area adjustment

The feedback device 100 adjusts the voltage applied to the thermo couple group 1244 in a state where the area for performing the heat generating operation in the thermo couple array 1240 and the area for performing the heat absorbing operation are alternately arranged at the same size, It is also possible to generate thermal grill feedback by adjusting the size of the heat generating region and the heat absorbing region.

Specifically, the thermal control operation of the area control method can be performed by adjusting the area of the thermoelectric couple group 1244 to which the forward voltage is applied and the area of the thermoelectric couple group 1244 to which the reverse voltage is applied have.

33 is a diagram illustrating a thermal grill operation of the area adjustment method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 33, a thermocouple array 1240 includes a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244 arranged to form a plurality of lines. Here, assuming that the area size of each line is the same, and the constant voltage and reverse voltage are set to voltage values that make the temperature variation of the hot feedback and cold feedback equal to each other, if the neutral ratio is 3, the feedback controller 1400 A positive voltage and a negative voltage are applied to the heat output module 1200 so that three thermoelectric couple groups 1244-2 per one thermoelectric couple group 1244-1 performing a heat generating operation perform a heat absorbing operation, Such that the area of the contact surface 1600 that provides the thermal feedback is three times the area of the contact surface 1600 that provides the thermal feedback, the feedback device 100 can provide neutral heat trapping.

Here, the neutral ratio may mean the ratio of the area provided with the cold feedback to the area where the warm feedback is provided, instead of the ratio of the warm feedback and the cold feedback. The neutral ratio in terms of area may be the same as the neutral ratio in terms of temperature, but may be a somewhat different value.

Further, the feedback controller 1400 reduces or increases the number of thermocouple groups 1244-2 that perform the heat absorbing group per one thermocouple group 1244-1 that performs the heat generating operation, so that the feedback device 100 It is also possible to perform the heating grill feedback or the cooling grill feedback.

Although the thermocouple group 1244 has the same area in FIG. 33, it is also possible to design the thermocouple group 1244 in consideration of the neutral ratio.

Figure 34 illustrates a thermocouple array 1240 comprised of thermocouple groups 1244 having different areas for a thermal conditioning scheme in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 34, the first thermocouple group 1244-1 and the second thermocouple group 1244-2 are designed to have different areas, and the ratio may be a neutral ratio. Using this thermocouple array 1240, the feedback controller 1400 applies a constant voltage and a reverse voltage to the first thermocouple group 1244-1 and the second thermocouple group 1244-2, respectively, 100) to provide neutral thermal grill feedback.

The above description has been made on the assumption that the regenerative feedback is provided by regulating the exothermic area and the endothermic area by using the constant voltage and the reverse voltage which are the same in the warm feedback and the cold feedback. When the temperature variation is different, the area ratio should be adjusted in consideration of the effect thereof.

In other words, in order to provide the neutral heat sensation, the value calculated from the two parameters of the ratio of the endothermic area to the exothermic area and the ratio of the cold sensation temperature change to the warmth temperature variation can be a neutral ratio. For example, the feedback device 100 may provide thermal grill feedback by allowing the product of the ratio of the rate of temperature change and the rate of area change to be a neutral ratio.

The thermal grill operation according to the above-described area adjustment method has an advantage in that the feedback strength can be easily controlled as compared with the thermal grill operation using voltage.

When the same voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element to perform the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation, it is general that the temperature change amount of the heat generating operation is larger than the temperature change amount of the heat absorbing operation. In the case of the thermal grill operation using this point and the voltage regulation, when the temperature change amount of the cold feedback is made larger than the temperature change amount of the warm feedback by the neutral ratio, the ratio of the magnitude of the reverse voltage to the constant voltage is larger than the neutral ratio It is a fairly large figure. Therefore, in order to provide neutral thermal grill feedback in a voltage regulating manner, the feedback controller 1400 must output an electric signal in a wide voltage range. Therefore, when the voltage range of the applied power source is limited, it is practically difficult to control the intensity of the thermal grill feedback.

On the other hand, in the region control method, since the neutral row grill feedback is processed by adjusting the area of the warm feedback region and the area of the cold feedback region, the temperature change due to the heat generation operation in the warm feedback region and the heat absorption operation in the cold feedback region By increasing or decreasing the amount of temperature change, the strength of the neutral thermal grill feedback can be easily adjusted.

Specifically, in the discussion with reference to Figure 32, the feedback controller 1400 increases the magnitudes of both the positive and negative voltages together to allow the thermal output module 1200 to provide strong neutral write grill feedback or reduce it to provide weak thermal grill feedback . 32, since the neutral ratio for the neutral thermal grill feedback is already satisfied by the exothermic area and the heat absorbing area, the feedback controller 1400 relatively freely adjusts the magnitude of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage, The strength of the feedback can be controlled.

2.1.2.4. Thermal grill motion with time division

The thermal grill operation may be implemented according to a time division method as well. Specifically, the thermal grill operation according to the time division method can be implemented by performing the heat generation operation and the heat absorption operation alternately in time. This is because, if the warm feedback and the cold feedback are alternately transmitted within a relatively short time interval, the human senses can mistaken it as a sensation.

The feedback controller 1400 can alternately apply a constant voltage and a reverse voltage to the heat output module 1200 so that the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are alternately performed. Here, the neutral thermal grill feedback can be performed by adjusting at least one of the magnitude of the voltage or the time interval.

35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a thermal grill operation using a time division method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Assuming that the constant voltage and the reverse voltage are set equal to the temperature change amount of the warm-feeling feedback and the cold feedback, the feedback controller 1400 sets the ratio of the time during which the reverse voltage is applied to the time during which the constant voltage is applied to the neutral voltage, Can be controlled. For example, referring to FIG. 35, if the neutral ratio is 3, the feedback controller 1400 may apply a constant voltage for 20 ms and apply a reverse voltage for 60 ms to provide neutral column grill feedback. Here, the hot grill feedback or the cold grill feedback may be performed by adjusting the ratio of the signal output timing. On the other hand, when the time interval is set to the neutral ratio, the feedback controller 1400 can adjust the intensity of the thermal grill operation by increasing or decreasing the magnitudes of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage together.

36 is a diagram illustrating another example of the thermal grill operation using the time division method according to the embodiment of the present invention. Assuming that the application times of the warm feedback and the cold feedback are set to the same size, the feedback controller 1400 The voltage value of the electric signal can be adjusted so that the temperature change amount of the warm-feeling feedback and the cold feeling feedback during the time becomes a neutral ratio. For example, referring to FIG. 36, when the neutral ratio is 3, the feedback controller 1400 alternately applies a constant voltage and a reverse voltage at intervals of 20 ms, and the temperature change amount in the cold- The magnitude of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage can be adjusted to provide neutral thermal grill feedback. Here, the hot grill feedback or the cold grill feedback can be achieved by adjusting the magnitude of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage.

It goes without saying that the feedback controller 1400 can also control the time interval and the magnitude of the voltage.

On the other hand, the thermal grill operation of the voltage regulating method or the area regulating method senses sensation, but physically applies the hot and cold heat simultaneously to the user's body. However, if the user's sensory organs are continuously stimulated by the heat sensation, the user's body senses the afterimage for a certain period of time even after the thermal grill feedback is removed. Since the heat grill feedback is mainly a feeling close to pain, the user may feel uncomfortable due to the afterimage. The cause of this afterglow is due to the prolonged exposure of the warmth and cold spots of the skin to the given warmth and cold feeling of somewhat higher intensity to provide effective thermal grill feedback. On the other hand, the thermal grill operation according to the time division method does not continuously stimulate the skin warmth and cold point, and thus has a merit that the afterglow effect is somewhat eliminated.

2.1.2.5. Column grill operations with area adjustment and time division

Also, the thermal grill operation can be performed by combining the concept of the area adjustment method with the thermal grill operation according to the time division method described above.

Here, the thermal grill operation may be performed by alternately performing a heat generation operation and an absorbing heat operation in a time zone in a region other than one region of the thermocouple array 1240, such that one region and another region perform different operations .

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a thermal grill operation using a combination of area adjustment and time division according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.

Referring to Figure 37, the thermocouple array 1240 may include a first thermocouple group 1244-1 performing a first operation and a second thermocouple group 1244-2 performing a second operation. have. Here, the first operation and the second operation are the same in that the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are alternately carried out over time, but the operation is performed such that the timings of heat generation and endothermic heat are shifted from each other. The feedback controller 1400 controls the first thermocouples group 1244-1 to perform the first operation by sequentially applying a constant voltage and a reverse voltage to the first thermocouple group 1244-1, The second thermocouple group 1244-2 can be controlled to perform the second operation by sequentially applying the reverse voltage and the constant voltage to the second thermocouple group 1244-2. Accordingly, the heat output module 1200 simultaneously outputs the thermal feedback and the cold feedback in the region of the first thermo couple group 1244-1 and the region of the second thermo pair pair 1244-2, so that the feedback device 100 It is possible to provide thermal grill feedback. If the first thermocouple group 1244-1 and the second thermocouple group 1244-2 have the same area and the time length of the heat generating operation and the time length of the heat absorbing operation are the same in the first operation and the second operation, The ratio of the voltage values of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage allows the feedback device 100 to provide neutral thermal grill feedback or provide thermal grill feedback or cold grill feedback.

Here, the time length of the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation may be a relatively long time interval, unlike the case of performing the thermal grill operation by the simple time division method. In the case of the simple time division method, it is necessary to invoke an illusion to a human sensory organ depending on the time division interval. On the other hand, in the case of the combined method, the sensation can be felt by providing the warm feedback and the cold feedback simultaneously, Because. That is, in the case of the simple time division method, each of the application time of the constant voltage and the application time of the reverse voltage needs to be adjusted to be not more than the recognition time required for the user to feel warmth according to the heat- On the other hand, there is no time limit or weakness in the case of the hybrid scheme which alternates by area.

Furthermore, the combined-mode thermal grill operation provides a periodic heat / cold alternation periodically, which does not continuously provide the human's skin with hot or cold heat, thereby minimizing damage to the skin. Too long a time interval for this may not be good.

Referring to FIG. 37, the thermocouple array 1240 has two thermocouple groups 1244 which are operated by being staggered from each other. However, it is also possible to apply the hybrid type to the various types of thermocouple arrays 1240.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating another example of a thermal grill operation using a combination of area adjustment and time division according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 38, the thermocouple array 1240 may include four thermocouple groups 1244-1, 1244-2, 1244-3, and 1244-4. Here, the feedback controller 1400 may apply the following electric signals to each thermo couple group 1244. During the first time interval, a constant voltage is applied to the first thermo couple group 1244-1 to perform a heat generation operation, and a reverse voltage is applied to the second thermo pair group 1244-2 to perform a heat absorption operation , And no voltage is applied to the remaining groups 1244-3 and 1244-4. Next, during a second time interval, a constant voltage is applied to the third thermocouples group 1244-3 to perform a heat generation operation, and a reverse voltage is applied to the second thermocouples group 1244-4 to perform a heat absorption operation , But no voltage is applied to the remaining groups 1244-1 and 1244-2. During the third time interval, a reverse voltage is applied to the first thermo couple group 1244-1 to perform a heat absorbing operation, and a constant voltage is applied to the second thermo pair group 1244-2 to perform a heat operation , And no voltage is applied to the remaining groups 1244-3 and 1244-4. During the next fourth time interval, a reverse voltage is applied to the third thermocouples group 1244-3 to perform a heat absorbing operation, and a constant voltage is applied to the fourth thermocouple group 1244-4 to perform a heat generating operation . Thereafter, the first time interval to the fourth time interval can be repeated. Or by repeating only the first time period and the second time period. According to this operation, the feedback device 100 provides thermal grill feedback by the cooperation of the first thermocouples group 1244-1 and the second thermocouples group 1244-2, and the third thermocouple group 1244 -3) and the fourth thermocouples group 1244-4 by providing thermal grill feedback to the user so that the same effect as providing continuous thermal grill feedback is provided for the user. here,

In the above description, the period during which the thermal grill operation is performed by the first and second thermo couple groups 1244-1 and 1244-2 related to FIG. 38 and the period during which the thermal grill operation is performed by the third and fourth thermo couple groups 1244-3 and 1244- 4, the periods during which the thermal grill operation is performed do not overlap with each other in terms of time, but it is also possible that the two-row grill operations overlap in time.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating another example of a thermal grill operation using a combination of area adjustment and time division according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 39, the time periods described with reference to FIG. 38 are spaced apart from each other, and overlapping intervals may be inserted therebetween. In the overlapping section, the operation of the entire time interval and the operation of the time interval thereafter are performed together with the thermal grill operation. The thermal grill operation with the overlapping section can mitigate thermal grid feedback from being delivered to the user during the time it takes for the actual thermoelectric element to rise to saturation temperature from the time the voltage is applied for the heat / heat absorption operation.

In addition, the thermal grill feedback operation may be implemented in various ways by combining time division and domain control, and the present invention should be construed as including modifications that combine the examples mentioned herein.

2.2. Damage prevention operation by thermal feedback

The thermal feedback operation described above stimulates the skin's warm / cold spots, which can cause damage to skin or sensory organs when a certain amount of heat is delivered to the user. For example, if the user is provided with thermal feedback at an excessively high intensity, the skin tissue may be denatured by heat or may be confused by the sensory organs if it is continuously provided to the thermal feedback over a long period of time. Hereinafter, an operation for preventing damage to the user's skin or sensory organs will be described.

First, the voltage value applied by the feedback controller 1400 can be limited in a simple manner so that the temperature difference caused by the thermal output module 1200 on the contact surface does not exceed a certain level. For example, the feedback controller 1400 may limit the constant voltage to a value equal to or lower than a voltage value at which the saturation temperature of the hot feedback is 40 占 폚.

Alternatively, the time that thermal feedback is provided can be limited. For example, the feedback controller 1400 may shut off the power applied to the thermal output module 1200 if the thermal feedback is applied continuously for a predetermined time or more.

Alternatively, the intensity of the thermal feedback can be considered when controlling the time that the thermal feedback is provided. This is because the user does not cause any physical damage even if a weak intensity of thermal feedback is given for a long period of time, while in the case of intense thermal feedback, it can cause a physical injury even in a short period of time. For example, in the case of a feedback device 100 capable of applying multiple grades of thermal feedback, the feedback controller 1400 determines the strength rating of the thermal feedback currently being performed, And cut off the power applied to the thermal output module 1200 when the time during which the thermal feedback is performed exceeds the time limit.

For example, thermal feedback of varying degrees of intensity may be provided to improve the user's perception of thermal feedback. The feedback device 100 may set a time limit for each class. For example, there is no time limit for low-intensity thermal feedback in the feedback device 100, a time limit is set for a constant time for high-intensity thermal feedback, and a time limit for high- A time limit longer than the time limit may be set. If the thermal feedback needs to be provided beyond the set time limit, the feedback device 100 provides thermal feedback for a time limit, then stops outputting the thermal feedback for a predetermined period of time, Thermal feedback can be output.

2.3. Heat reversal prevention operation

Hereinafter, the thermal inversion hallucation preventing operation will be described. A user who is provided with thermal feedback using the feedback device 100 will experience a thermal inverse hallucination when the thermal feedback is interrupted. Here, the thermal inversion hallucination means the illusion of the sensory organ in which the opposite thermal sensation of the given thermal feedback is felt. Specifically, when the warm feedback is interrupted, the user instantly feels cold feeling, and when the cool feedback is interrupted, the user feels warmth instantly. In this way, It is a kind of reverse hallucination.

Thermal inversion can corrupt the user experience in order to provide the user with thermal feedback. For example, if a user grasps a hot kettle within a virtual reality, the feedback device 100 may provide warm feedback to the user to improve the user experience for the virtual reality as part of the virtual reality experience system. However, if the user instantly senses the coolness during the interruption of the thermal feedback, the immersion into the virtual reality may be hindered.

Hereinafter, the thermal inversion hallucination will be described in more detail, and specific methods for preventing thermal inversion hallucination will be described.

2.3.1. Causes of thermal inversion hallucinations

The process by which the thermal feedback is provided to the user is briefly as follows. First, the feedback controller 1400 applies power to the thermal output module 1200. The power applied to the heat output module 1200 is transmitted to the thermoelectric element through the power terminal 1260. In the thermoelectric element, an exothermic reaction or a heat absorption operation occurs due to the Peltier effect. It can be interpreted that the thermocouple array 1240 performs a heat generating operation or a heat absorbing operation, and the heat / cold heat generated by the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation is transmitted to the skin of the user through the contact surface 1600. The heat transmitted to the skin stimulates the warmth or coldness of the skin, and the user can feel warmth when the warmth is stimulated, coldness when the coldthirst is stimulated, and thermal sensation when the both are simultaneously stimulated.

40 is a view showing a temperature change of the contact surface 1600 in a heat generating operation and an endothermic operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 40, since the thermocouple array 1240 and the contact surface 1600 have a predetermined thermal capacity, when the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation is started as the power is supplied, the temperature of the contact surface 1600 Simultaneously with the application, the temperature does not reach the saturation temperature but gradually changes from the initial temperature to reach the saturation temperature. Likewise, when the power supply is interrupted to stop the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation, the temperature of the contact surface 1600 is gradually changed from the saturation temperature to the initial temperature, and then returns to the initial temperature.

The thermal inverse hallucination may be felt during the process of returning the temperature of the contact surface 1600 to the initial temperature in accordance with the exothermic operation or the discontinuation of the heat absorbing operation. For example, when the heating operation is stopped in the warm feedback condition, the temperature decreases from the saturation temperature to the initial temperature, and in this process, the number of the heating points that have been stimulated by the warm feedback decreases, Even if the temperature does not fall below the initial temperature, the user will instantly feel cold. In contrast, if the endothermic operation is stopped in the cold feedback state, the temperature increases from the saturation temperature to the initial temperature, and in this process, the number of cold spots under stimulation by cold feedback decreases, The user does not rise above the initial temperature but the user feels warmth instantaneously.

In sum, it can be interpreted that thermal inversion is a thermal feedback in the opposite direction that is felt by the user even though the temperature is not physically given when the temperature changes in the direction of eliminating the thermal feedback in the state where the thermal feedback is given .

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a thermal inversion halluclus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Experimental observations show that the thermal inversion is stronger as the difference between the saturation temperature and the initial temperature increases and as the temperature change rate increases. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41, when the high-temperature thermal feedback with a large temperature change amount relative to the skin temperature is interrupted, the temperature change occurring in the process during the return to the initial temperature is large and the temperature change speed is high In contrast, when the low-intensity thermal feedback with a small temperature change relative to the skin temperature is interrupted, the temperature change caused by the process is small and the temperature change speed is slow. Or substantially not felt.

2.3.2. Heat reversal prevention operation

The feedback device 100 may eliminate the thermal inversion hallucination by alleviating the rate of temperature change that occurs in the course of returning to the initial temperature upon interruption of the thermal feedback.

FIG. 42 is a graph showing a change in the temperature of the contact surface 1600 due to the buffering voltage according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 42, the feedback controller 1400 may apply the buffering voltage to the thermal output module 1200 instead of directly shutting off the power at the time of stopping the thermal feedback. The buffering voltage may be the same direction as the voltage for thermal feedback, and the magnitude may be a small voltage. The feedback controller 1400 may relax the temperature change rate of returning from the saturation temperature to the initial temperature after the point of interruption of the thermal feedback as the buffer voltage is applied for a predetermined time instead of immediately turning off the power. As a result, the thermal inversion can be eliminated since the temperature is not suddenly changed when the thermal feedback is interrupted.

On the other hand, if necessary, the feedback device 100 may use a multistage buffering voltage for the thermal inversion hall preventing operation.

FIG. 43 is a graph showing a change in the temperature of the contact surface 1600 according to the thermal inversion hall preventing operation having a plurality of buffering steps according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 43, the feedback device 100 may perform the thermal inverse hallucination preventing operation using the first, second, and third buffering voltages. Specifically, the feedback controller 1400 can sequentially apply a voltage for thermal feedback, a first buffer voltage, a second buffer voltage, and a third buffer voltage in the thermal feedback interruption, and finally shut off the power supply.

In the case of high-intensity thermal feedback, even when only a single buffering voltage is used, the temperature change interval may be abrupt. If the multi-stage buffering voltage is used, the thermal inversion hallucination can be solved also for the high-

In particular, if the feedback device 100 is capable of outputting thermal feedback at multiple grades of intensity, a voltage for a lower grade thermal feedback at the interruption of the higher grade thermal feedback may be used as the damping voltage.

In the above description, the buffering voltage in the thermal inversion hall preventing operation is described as a single voltage or a step voltage having a constant voltage value. Alternatively, the buffering voltage may have an electrical signal shape gradually decreasing with time.

2.3.3. Other buffer operation

In the above description, at the end of the output of the thermal feedback, the power supply voltage (hereinafter referred to as "operating power" and the voltage and current of the operating power source are referred to as "operating voltage" To prevent a thermal inversion hallucination from occurring.

However, it is also possible to use the duty signal as a cushioning power source for such a thermal inversion hall preventing operation, that is, a buffering operation. For example, in the feedback device 100, the feedback controller 1400 may use a duty signal having a voltage equal to or lower than that of the operating power supply as the buffering voltage at the time of stopping the application of the operating power. Here, the operating power source may be a duty signal, wherein the buffer power source may be a duty signal having a lower duty rate than the operating power source.

Or thermoelectric elements are provided in a thermocouple array 1240 having a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups 1244 that are individually controllable, the number of thermocouples in the thermocouple group 1244 that is smaller than the number of thermoelectric couple groups 1244 to which the operating power is applied to output thermal feedback It is also possible to perform the buffer operation by keeping the operating power supply in the thermocouple group 1244 during the buffer period. For example, in the state of outputting thermal feedback using the thermocouple array 1240 having five thermoelectric couple groups 1244, the buffer operation is performed in a state where the operating power is maintained for the two thermoelectric couple groups 1244 It is also possible to perform the damping operation in such a manner that the operating power is turned off for the remaining three thermopile group 1244 in the thermocouple array 1240 and consequently the degree of the thermoelectric action is gradually reduced in the thermocouple array 1240 as a whole.

In the above description, the buffering operation is performed by applying the buffering power in succession to the stoppage of the operation of the operating power supply. Alternatively, the buffering power may be applied at a predetermined time after the operation power supply is stopped . ≪ / RTI >

2.3.4. Heat reversal prevention operation considering thermal feedback intensity

On the other hand, thermal inversion is caused only by interruption of relatively strong intensity thermal feedback, and may not occur substantially due to interruption of relatively weak intensity thermal feedback.

Accordingly, when the feedback device 100 provides thermal feedback of several intensities, it can be determined whether or not to perform the thermal inverse hallucation preventing operation according to the intensity of the thermal feedback. That is, the feedback device 100 does not perform the thermal inverse hallucation preventing operation for the weak thermal feedback which does not cause the thermal inversion hall effect.

FIG. 44 is a graph showing a temperature change according to an interruption of thermal feedback of various intensities according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 44, the feedback device 100 provides five grades for warm feedback and cold feedback, respectively, where thermal feedback can occur only for the upper three classes. In this case, the feedback device 100 may perform the thermal inverse hallucination preventing operation for the upper third grade, and not perform the thermal inversion hall preventing operation for the remaining lower two classes. Specifically, the feedback controller 1400 obtains information about the intensity of the thermal feedback, determines whether the thermal feedback intensity is equal to or higher than a predetermined grade, and if the thermal feedback intensity is lower than or equal to the predetermined grade, The power source is completely cut off after a predetermined time after applying the buffering voltage to the output module 1200. If the voltage is lower than the predetermined level, the voltage applied to the thermal output module 1200 can be immediately cut off when the thermal feedback is interrupted.

Thus, if the feedback device 100 provides thermal feedback of multiple intensities, such as in the case of thermal feedback of higher intensity thermal feedback and thermal inversion of the lower intensity thermal feedback, The voltage used for the thermal feedback of the lower intensity not causing it may be used as the buffering voltage.

On the other hand, the magnitude of the cushioning voltage and the time length of the cushioning period (the length of time during which the cushioning voltage is applied) can also be set differently depending on the intensity of the thermal feedback. Thus, the feedback device 100 can set the buffering voltage for high-intensity thermal feedback to be greater than the buffering voltage for low-intensity thermal feedback. The feedback device 100 can also set the buffer period for high-intensity thermal feedback to be longer than the buffer period for low-intensity thermal feedback.

2.3.5. Heat reversal prevention action according to warm / cold feedback

The thermal inversion hallucination phenomenon described above can be felt differently in the warm-feeling feedback and the cold-feeling feedback under the same conditions. This is because the temperature change rate due to the interruption of the warm feedback and the temperature change rate due to the interruption of the cold feedback are different from each other.

45 is a graph showing the difference in temperature change rate between the warm-feeling feedback of the same intensity and the cold feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 45, it can be seen that the magnitude of the rate of temperature decrease occurring when the warm feedback is interrupted is smaller than the magnitude of the rate of temperature increase occurring when the cold feedback is interrupted.

When electric energy is applied to a thermoelectric element, a part of electric energy induces an exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction, while the remainder is converted into heat energy. Here, the part directly converted into thermal energy is discharged through the heat sink or the like connected to the back surface of the thermoelectric element, but a part thereof remains in the thermoelectric element in the form of residual heat. When the supply of electric energy to the thermoelectric device is interrupted, the heat side and the heat side try to achieve thermal equilibrium by conduction. Further, the temperature change of the front surface of the contact surface 1600 or the thermocouple array 1240 due to the interruption of the thermal feedback may have residual heat in addition to the temperature of the back surface of the thermocouple array 1240. At this time, the residual heat acts as a factor that hinders the reduction of the temperature of the contact surface 1600 or the front surface of the thermo couple array 1240 at the end of the warm feedback. On the contrary, when the cold feedback is completed, the contact surface 1600 or thermocouple array 1240 This increases the temperature of the front surface. Therefore, in general, the temperature change rate at the time of stopping the warm-up feedback becomes smaller than the temperature change rate at the time of the cold feedback interruption. As a result, the thermal inversion hallucination can be felt more strongly when the warm feedback of the same condition and the cold feedback feedback during the cold feedback are interrupted.

In view of this, the feedback device 100 can process the thermal inversion hall preventing operation differently at the end of the warm feedback and at the end of the cold feedback,

FIG. 46 is a view showing a time difference of the buffering period at the end of the warm feedback and the cold feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

For example, as shown in Fig. 46, the feedback device 100 can set the length of the cushioning period of the cold feedback to be longer than the length of the cushioning period of the warm-up feedback. The feedback controller 1400 determines the type of thermal feedback at the end of the thermal feedback, determines the length of the buffer zone in consideration of the type of thermal feedback, buffers the thermal output module 1200 for a time corresponding to the determined buffer zone Voltage can be applied. That is, the feedback controller 1400 determines whether the thermal feedback is the warm-feeling feedback or the warm-feeling feedback, sets the buffer period to the first time length if the warm-feedback period and the buffer period to the second time period longer than the first time period, Can be set.

The feedback device 100 may also consider the type of thermal feedback when determining whether to perform the thermal inversion operation according to the intensity of the thermal feedback. For example, in the description with reference to FIG. 44, the thermal inversion hallucination preventing operation is performed for the upper three stages in the warmth feedback step 5 and the cold feedback step 5, and the thermal inversion hallucation preventing operation is not performed for the remaining lower two steps It is also possible to perform the thermal inversion halluch prevention operation only at the end of the upper second stage for the warm feedback if it is assumed that the warm feedback and the cold feedback have the same intensity at the same stage.

2.3.6. The thermal inversion hall preventing operation according to the termination of the thermal grill feedback

Although the warm-up feedback and the cold feedback are mainly described for the anti-reverse operation of the thermal reversal, a similar phenomenon may occur in the case of the thermal grill feedback.

47 is a graph showing the temperature change of the contact surface 1600 at the end of thermal grill feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 47, when the thermal grill feedback provided by simultaneously performing the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation of the same intensity is terminated, the temperature change at the portion providing the warm feedback and the cold feedback is examined. The temperature at the site that provided the warm feedback reaches the initial temperature after reaching the initial temperature first. This is considered to be due to the residual heat as described above. Accordingly, even though the feedback device 100 stops the heat generation operation and the heat absorption operation at the same time, the user may feel warmth at the end of the neutral heat grill feedback, which is unintended warmth of the feedback device 100.

FIG. 48 is a graph illustrating an operation for eliminating warmth at the end of thermal grill feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Accordingly, the feedback device 100 eliminates the warmth sensed at the end of the thermal grill feedback by slowing the ending point of the endothermic operation from the ending point of the heat-generating operation when the heat-generating operation and the endothermic operation are stopped to terminate the thermal grill feedback . Specifically, the feedback controller 1400 applies the constant voltage to the thermal output module 1200 to the first time point when the thermal grill feedback is completed, and applies the reverse voltage to the second time point later than the first time point, It is possible to eliminate feeling of warmth which is felt.

However, when the neutral column grill feedback is terminated, there may be a case where a feeling of coolness is felt instead of warmth from time to time. Neutral thermal grill feedback can be output when the temperature ratio due to exothermic and endothermic operations is neutral. According to the neutral ratio, the temperature difference relative to the initial temperature is larger at the endothermic operation than at the exothermic operation.

Specifically, when the neutral ratio is about 2.5, the temperature of the contact surface 1600 at the end of the neutral thermal grill feedback may reach the initial temperature after the exothermic region first reaches the initial temperature. At this time, when the feedback device 100 stops the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation to terminate the thermal grill feedback, the ending point of the heat absorbing operation is advanced before the ending point of the heat generating operation, .

Specifically, when feedback of the thermal grill is completed, the feedback controller 1400 applies a reverse voltage to the thermal output module 1200 to a first time point, applies a constant voltage to a second time point later than the first time point, You can remove the feeling of cold feeling.

Here, it is described that the user feels cold feeling during the period of the temperature of the exothermic region and the endothermic region until the temperature of the exothermic region reaches the initial temperature after the temperature of the exothermic region first reaches the initial temperature. However, Because the temperature change rate of the endothermic part is faster than the temperature change rate of the heat generation part, At this time, when the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are stopped to terminate the thermal grill feedback, the feedback device 100 can eliminate the feeling of ending the thermal grill feedback by slowing the ending point of the heat generating operation from the ending point of the endothermic operation have.

It is needless to say that it is also possible to perform the buffer operation at the end of each operation in order to prevent the thermal inversion hall feeling from being felt by the temperature change due to the end of each operation when the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are terminated for heat trapping , And this has already been described in detail in the prevention operation section of the thermal inversion hall, so that detailed description will be omitted.

2.3. Heat transfer motion

Hereinafter, the heat transfer operation will be described. Here, the thermal movement operation is an operation of moving heat on the area of the thermal output module, which can be performed using the thermal output module 1200 composed of a plurality of individually thermally controllable thermo couple groups 1244.

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram of an example of an electrical signal for a thermal movement operation according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating a thermal movement operation according to FIG.

Referring to Figures 49 and 50dmf, the thermal output module 1200 includes a first thermocouple group 1244-1, a second thermocouple group 1244-2, a third thermocouple group 1244-3, Thermocouple group 1244-4.

At this time, the feedback controller 1400 may sequentially apply power to the thermoelectric element groups. Accordingly, the first thermocouple group 1244-1 may first perform a thermoelectric operation (where the thermoelectric operation includes a heat generation operation, a heat absorption operation, and a thermal grill operation). Then, the second, third, and fourth thermocouple groups 1244 - 2, 1244 - 3, and 1244 - 4 may perform the thermoelectric conversion in this order.

Also, the feedback controller 1400 may cut off the power to the pre-thermocouple group 1244 at the time of applying the power to the specific thermocouple group 1244. Accordingly, the first thermo couple group 1244-1 stops the thermoelectric action when the second thermo pair group 1244-2 starts the thermoelectric action, and the second thermo pair group 1244-3 stops the thermoelectric action when the second thermo pair group 1244-2 starts the thermoelectric action, When the pair group 1244-3 starts thermoelectric conversion, the thermoelectric conversion group 1244-3 stops thermoelectric conversion when the fourth thermoelectron group 1244-4 starts thermoelectric conversion . ≪ / RTI >

 Accordingly, the user can feel the heat moving from the region where the first thermo couple group 1244-1 is arranged to the region where the fourth thermo pair group 1244-4 is arranged on the contact surface.

The above-described example can be utilized as follows.

For example, if a plurality of thermoelectric element groups are arranged in a horizontal direction while holding a plurality of thermoelectric element groups in a feedback device, cold heat may be moved from one side to the other side to provide a user with a feeling of passing a cool wind. Also, moving the heat can provide a feeling of passing the heat source.

FIG. 51 is a schematic view of another example of an electric signal for a thermal movement operation according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating a thermal movement operation according to FIG.

51 and 52, the thermal output module 1200 includes a first thermocouple group 1244-1, a second thermocouple group 1244-2, a third thermocouple group 1244-3, 4 thermocouple group 1244-4.

At this time, the feedback controller 1400 can sequentially apply power to the thermocouple groups 1244. Accordingly, the first thermo couple group 1244-1 can perform the thermoelectric conversion operation first. Then, the second, third, and fourth thermocouple groups 1244 - 2, 1244 - 3, and 1244 - 4 may perform the thermoelectric conversion in this order.

In addition, the feedback controller 1400 may cut off power to the previous thermocouple group after a predetermined time from when the power source for the specific thermocouple group 1244 is applied. Accordingly, when the thermal sensation by the first thermo couple group 1244-1 is terminated, the user can sense the heat sensation by the second thermo pair group 1244-2 and the second thermo pair group 1244- 2), the heat sensation by the third thermocouples group 1244-3 can be sensed, and when the thermal sensation by the third thermocouple group 1244-2 is terminated, Heat feeling by the four thermocouple group 1244-4 can be sensed.

This takes into account the time required for the contact surface to reach the temperature at which the user feels a sense of heat from the time when power is applied to the thermocouple group. That is, the predetermined time may correspond to a delay time until the temperature of the contact surface reaches a temperature suitable for heat transmission after power is applied to the thermoelectric element.

Accordingly, the user can feel the heat to move from the area where the first thermo couple group 1244-1 is arranged to the area where the fourth thermo pair group 1244-4 is arranged on the contact surface.

FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram of another example of an electric signal for a thermal movement operation according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a thermal movement operation according to 53.

53 and 54, the thermal output module 1200 includes a first thermocouple group 1244-1, a second thermocouple group 1244-2, a third thermocouple group 1244-3, 4 thermocouple group 1244-4.

At this time, the feedback controller 1400 can sequentially apply power to the thermocouple groups 1244. Accordingly, the first thermo couple group 1244-1 can perform the thermoelectric conversion operation first. Then, the second, third, and fourth thermocouple groups 1244 - 2, 1244 - 3, and 1244 - 4 may perform the thermoelectric conversion in this order.

Also, the feedback controller 1400 may not turn off the power for the thermoelectric elements to which the power source is applied. Accordingly, the user can feel the heat coming from the area where the first thermo couple group 1244-1 is arranged to the area where the fourth thermo pair group 1244-4 is arranged on the contact surface.

The above-described example can be utilized as follows.

For example, in a feedback device, when a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups 1244 are arranged in a vertical direction while held by a user, cold heat is moved from the lower side to the upper side so that the user can move from the lower side of the body to the cold water A soaking feeling can be provided.

FIG. 55 is a schematic view of still another example of the electric signal for the heat movement operation according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 56 is a diagram showing the heat movement operation according to FIG.

55 and 56, the thermal output module 1200 includes a first thermocouple group 1244-1, a second thermocouple group 1244-2, a third thermocouple group 1244-3, 4 thermocouple group 1244-4.

At this time, all of the thermoelectric couple groups 1244 are in a state in which power is supplied to perform the thermoelectric action.

In this state, the feedback controller 1400 may turn off the power to the thermocouple groups 1244 in order. Accordingly, the first thermocouple group 1244-1 stops the thermoelectric conversion operation first, and then stops the thermoelectric conversion in the order of the second, third, and fourth thermoelectron groups 1244-2, 1244-3, and 1244-4 can do.

Accordingly, the user can feel that the heat is lost from the region where the first thermo couple group 1244-1 is arranged to the region where the fourth thermo pair group 1244-4 is arranged on the contact surface.

The above-described example can be utilized as follows.

For example, in a feedback device, when a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups 1244 are arranged in a vertical direction while held by a user, cold heat is moved from the lower side to the upper side so that the user can move from the lower side of the body to the cold water It can provide a feeling of departure.

In the example of the above-described heat transfer operation, four thermoelectric couple groups 1244 are arranged in a one-dimensional array. However, in the heat transfer operation according to the embodiment of the present invention, The present invention is not limited to the above example.

3. How to Provide Thermal Feedback

Hereinafter, a method of providing thermal feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The method of providing the thermal feedback will be described using the operation of the feedback device 100 and the feedback device 100 described above. It should be noted, however, that this is merely for convenience of explanation, and thus the method of providing thermal feedback is not limited by the operation of feedback device 100 or feedback device 100. [

In the following description, the feedback device 100 is described as being based on the form of the gaming controller 100a. The feedback device 100 performing the method of providing thermal feedback is not limited to the gaming controller 100a type and other types of feedback devices 100 may be used for general purpose It is clear that this is applicable as an application.

3.1. Thermal feedback initiation and termination methods

FIG. 57 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a method for providing thermal feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

57. A method of providing thermal feedback according to FIG. 57, comprising the steps of: obtaining a feedback request message (S1100); obtaining feedback information (S1200); outputting an electrical signal based on the feedback information (S1400), providing thermal feedback according to the electrical signal (S1400), and terminating the thermal feedback (S1500) according to the feedback termination message.

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, a feedback request message can be obtained (S1100). For example, the game console may generate a feedback request message according to the information processing result in the game, and transmit the feedback request message to the feedback device 100. In the feedback device 100, the application controller 2700 may receive a feedback request message via the communication module 2500.

On the other hand, when the feedback device 100 operates as a standalone device, the feedback device 100 can acquire the feedback request message itself. For example, application controller 2700 may obtain a feedback request message in the form of a user input via input module 2200. In another example, the application controller 2700 may obtain a specific condition detected by the sensor module as a feedback request message.

When the feedback request message is obtained, the feedback information can be obtained (S1200). Here, the feedback information may include information on the type of thermal feedback, the intensity of thermal feedback, and the time when the thermal feedback is applied. Such information may include data on the type, intensity, time, etc. of thermal feedback directly, but may indirectly include data on the type, intensity, time, etc. of thermal feedback.

For example, the feedback request message may include feedback information. For example, the feedback request message received from the game console includes feedback information, so that the application controller 2700 can obtain feedback information from the feedback request message.

In another example, the feedback information is stored in the memory 2600, and the feedback request message may include an identifier for obtaining feedback information stored in the memory 2600 instead of directly including the feedback information. For example, the game controller may extract the identifier from the received feedback request message and obtain feedback information corresponding to the received feedback request message from the feedback information table stored in memory 2600 from the extracted identifier.

As another example, the feedback request message may simply request the initiation of thermal feedback, and the application controller 2700 may obtain and store the feedback information previously stored in the memory 2600 according to the feedback request message.

Next, an electric signal can be output based on the feedback information (S1300). The application controller 2700 may communicate feedback information to the feedback controller 1400 and the feedback controller 1400 may generate an electrical signal to be applied to the thermal output module 1200 based on the feedback information.

The feedback controller 1400 can determine the direction of the voltage of the electric signal to be applied based on the kind of the thermal feedback. For example, when the thermal feedback is the warm feedback, the feedback controller 1400 determines that the voltage to be applied is a constant voltage, and when the thermal feedback is the cold feedback, it is determined that the voltage is reverse voltage. And reverse voltage can be determined to be applied simultaneously or in time division.

Further, the feedback controller 1400 can determine the magnitude of the voltage to be applied based on the intensity of the thermal feedback. In the memory 2600, a voltage table relating to the magnitude of the voltage according to the intensity of the thermal feedback may be stored. The feedback controller 1400 can determine the magnitude of the voltage to be applied by referring to the voltage table based on the intensity of the thermal feedback. On the other hand, since the intensity of the voltage to be applied may be different depending on the type of thermal feedback, the feedback controller 1400 can also consider the type of thermal feedback when referring to the voltage table.

Further, the feedback controller 1400 can determine the period of time to apply the voltage based on the information about the time when the thermal feedback is to be applied.

When the direction, size, and application time of the voltage are determined, the feedback controller 1400 can apply an electrical signal corresponding to the determined result to the thermal output module 1200.

The heat output module 1200 receives an electric signal through the power terminal 1260, so that the thermoelectric couple array 1240 can perform a heating operation, an endothermic operation, or a thermal grill operation (S1400). Accordingly, the feedback device 100 can output the thermal feedback to the user.

Finally, the feedback end message may be obtained and the thermal feedback may be terminated (S1500). The feedback termination message indicates termination of the feedback, and the feedback device 100 may obtain a feedback termination message in a manner similar to the manner in which the feedback request message was obtained. The feedback device 100 may cease operation on thermal feedback that was being performed when a feedback termination message is received. However, a feedback end message is not necessarily required to end the operation related to the thermal feedback. For example, if the feedback information includes information on the time when the thermal feedback is to be applied, the feedback device 100 applies the thermal feedback for the corresponding time, stops the operation related to the thermal feedback, and terminates the thermal feedback .

3.2. How to provide thermal grill feedback

3.2.1. How to provide thermal grill feedback through voltage control

FIG. 58 is a flowchart related to a second example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

58 is a method of providing thermal grill feedback via voltage control, comprising: obtaining a feedback request message (S2100); obtaining feedback information (S2200); performing based on feedback information (Step S2300) of determining whether the thermal feedback is a thermal grill feedback. (S2400) of determining a voltage to be applied for the thermal grill operation when the type of thermal feedback is thermal grill feedback, and outputting (S2500) simultaneously outputting a high intensity warm feedback and a low intensity cold feedback have.

A second example of this method of providing thermal feedback may be performed by a feedback device 100 having the following features.

First, the feedback device 100 may simultaneously perform a heating operation and an endothermic operation at a portion of the contact surface 1600 and at a different portion. To this end, the thermocouple array 1240 includes a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244, and the feedback controller 1400 can control the plurality of thermocouple groups 1244 individually.

Second, the feedback device 100 may implement the warm-up feedback and the cold feedback in multiple stages, respectively. To this end, the feedback controller 1400 can output an electric signal with a multi-stage constant voltage and a multi-stage reverse voltage.

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, a feedback request message can be obtained (S2100). This step may be similar to step S1100 in the first example of the method of providing thermal feedback.

Next, feedback information can be obtained (S2200). This step may be similar to step S1200 in the first example of the method of providing thermal feedback.

However, the feedback information includes at least information about the type of thermal feedback, and the types of thermal feedback include warm feedback, cold feedback, and thermal grill feedback. Of course, the feedback information may further include information on the intensity of the thermal feedback and the time when the thermal feedback is applied.

Next, the type of thermal feedback to be performed may be determined based on the feedback information (S2300).

If the kind of the thermal feedback is the hot feedback, the feedback controller 1400 applies the constant voltage to the thermal output module 1200 and the thermal output module 1200 performs the heat generating operation. If the kind of thermal feedback is cold feedback, the feedback controller 1400 applies a reverse voltage to the thermal output module 1200 and the thermal output module 1200 performs a heat absorption operation. At this time, the feedback controller 1400 may adjust the voltage level of the constant voltage or the reverse voltage using the information about the intensity of the thermal feedback in the feedback information.

If the type of thermal feedback is thermal grill feedback, perform a thermal grill operation as follows.

A voltage to be applied for the thermal grill operation is determined (S2400).

In the memory 2600, a voltage level table and a thermocouple group 1244 table may be stored.

The voltage level table relates to multistage warm feedback and voltage levels per cold feedback. For example, in the memory 2600 of the feedback device 100 providing the warm-feeling feedback and the cold-feeling feedback in four stages, the voltage value necessary for warm-feedback in four stages and the voltage value necessary for cold- have. If warm-up and cold-feedback use the same magnitude of voltage, it is also possible to store only four voltage values for the four levels.

The thermocouple group 1244 table may be information on the first thermocouple group 1244 and the second thermocouple group 1244.

The feedback controller 1400 may refer to the voltage level table of the memory 2600 to obtain the constant voltage level and the reverse voltage level necessary for the thermal grill operation. The feedback controller 1400 can determine the level of the constant voltage required for the thermal grill operation to be lower than the level of the reverse voltage required for the thermal grill operation because the intensity of the heat absorption operation must be stronger than the intensity of the heat generation operation in the case of the neutral thermal grill feedback have. For example, the feedback device 100 may select a constant voltage of one stage and a reverse voltage of four stages, or a reverse voltage of one stage and a reverse voltage of three stages. Each value may vary somewhat with the voltage design value of the feedback device 100, but it is essential that the level of the reverse voltage be greater than the level of the constant voltage.

In order to perform the neutral row grill feedback, the intensity of the cold feedback for the warm feedback to be output must be a neutral ratio. Therefore, the feedback controller 1400 controls the constant voltage and the reverse voltage so that the voltage magnitude corresponds to the reverse voltage Can be selected as a value that can approximate the neutral ratio.

Finally, both the high intensity warm feedback and the low intensity cold feedback are simultaneously output (S2500).

When the voltage level is determined, the feedback controller 1400 applies a constant voltage to the first thermocouple group 1244 and applies a reverse voltage to the second thermocouple group 1244 with reference to the thermocouple group 1244 table, Here, the reverse voltage has a magnitude larger than the constant voltage. This means that in terms of the intensity of the thermal feedback, the intensity of the heat absorption operation used for the thermal grill operation is larger than the intensity of the heat generation operation.

The feedback device 100 may perform thermal grill feedback by the above steps.

3.2.2. How to provide thermal grill feedback with area adjustment

59 is a flowchart related to a third example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The method of providing thermal feedback according to FIG. 59 is a method of providing thermal grill feedback through area adjustment, comprising: obtaining a feedback request message (S3100); obtaining feedback information (S3200); (S3300) for determining whether the thermal feedback is a thermal grill feedback, determining (S3400) an area to which a voltage is to be applied for the thermal grill operation, And outputting warm feedback and cold feedback at the same time through the second thermo couple group 1244 (S3500).

A third example of this method of providing thermal feedback is to simultaneously perform a heating operation and an endothermic operation in a portion of the contact surface 1600 and in a different portion and a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244 in the thermocouple array 1240 , The feedback controller 1400 can be performed by a feedback device 100 that can independently control a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244.

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, the feedback request message is obtained (S3100), the feedback information is obtained (S3200), and the type of thermal feedback to be performed is determined based on the feedback information, in particular, it can be determined whether or not it is thermal grill feedback (S3300). These steps may be similar to steps S2100, S2200, S2300 in the second example of the method of providing thermal feedback, respectively.

If the type of thermal feedback is thermal grill feedback, perform a thermal grill operation as follows.

An area to which a voltage is applied for the thermal drawing operation is determined (S3400).

The feedback controller 1400 includes a first thermocouple group 1244 that performs a heat generating operation for a thermal grill operation among a plurality of thermoelectric couple groups 1244 included in the thermocouple array 1240, Thermocouple group 1244 is determined. At this time, the feedback controller 1400 calculates the ratio of the temperature change amount of the first thermo couple group 1244 to the temperature change amount of the second thermo pair group 1244 according to the heat absorption operation and the ratio of the temperature change amount of the first thermo pair group 1244, The first thermo couple group 1244 and the second thermo pair group 1244 can be selected so that the neutral ratio is established in consideration of the ratio of the area occupied by the first thermo couple group 1244 and the area occupied by the second thermo pair group 1244. [

For example, when the ratio of the temperature change amount due to the heat generation operation to the temperature change amount due to the heat absorption operation is the same, the feedback controller 1400 controls the first thermo couple group 1244 and the second thermoelectron Pair group 1244 can be determined.

Lastly, warm feedback and cold feedback are simultaneously output through the first thermocouple group 1244 and the second thermocouple group 1244 (S3500).

The feedback controller 1400 applies a constant voltage to the first thermocouples group 1244 and applies a reverse voltage to the second thermocouples group 1244. Accordingly, a heat generating operation is performed in the first thermocouple group 1244, and a heat absorbing operation is performed in the second thermocouple group 1244. As a result, warm feedback in each region can be performed to provide thermal grill feedback to the user.

The feedback device 100 may perform thermal grill feedback by the above steps.

3.2.3. How to provide thermal grill feedback with time slicing

FIG. 60 is a flowchart of a fourth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

60 is a method for providing thermal grill feedback through time division, comprising: obtaining a feedback request message (S4100); acquiring feedback information (S4200); performing based on feedback information Determining a type of thermal feedback to be performed, in particular, determining whether the thermal feedback is a thermal grill feedback (S4300), determining a voltage duty cycle for the thermal grill operation (S4400), and determining whether the constant voltage and the reverse voltage are alternately applied (S4500) alternately outputting warm feedback and cold feedback using the electric signal according to time.

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, the feedback request message is obtained (S4100), the feedback information is obtained (S4200), the type of thermal feedback to be performed is determined based on the feedback information, and in particular, it can be determined whether or not it is thermal grill feedback (S3400). These steps may be similar to steps S3100, S3200, and S3300 in the second example of the method of providing thermal feedback, respectively.

If the type of thermal feedback is thermal grill feedback, perform a thermal grill operation as follows.

The voltage duty cycle is determined for the thermal grill operation (S4400).

The feedback controller 1400 applies the constant voltage and the reverse voltage alternately in accordance with time, and determines the time for applying the constant voltage and the time for applying the reverse voltage. At this time, the feedback controller 1400 calculates the ratio of the amount of change in the heat generating operation temperature due to the application of the constant voltage, the amount of temperature change due to the heat absorbing operation due to application of the reverse voltage, The constant voltage timing and the reverse voltage timing can be selected so that the ratio is established. Also, in order to repeat the heating / heat-absorbing operation in time to provide the thermal grill feedback, the time interval of the sum of the constant voltage timing and the reverse voltage timing is set to be less than a predetermined time.

For example, the feedback controller 1400 can determine the constant voltage timing and the reverse voltage timing so that the neutral ratio in terms of time is established when the ratio of the temperature change amount due to the heat generation operation and the temperature change amount due to the heat absorption operation is the same. The first thermocouple group 1244 and the second thermocouple group 1244 can be determined.

Finally, in step S4500, a warm-up feedback signal and a cold feedback signal are alternately output in response to an elapse of time using an electric signal alternately applied with a constant voltage and a reverse voltage.

The feedback controller 1400 applies the constant voltage during the first timing and applies the reverse voltage during the second timing. Accordingly, the heat generating operation is performed during the first timing and the heat absorbing operation is performed during the second timing. As a result, cold feedback is performed alternately with warm feedback over time, and thermal grill feedback can be provided to the user.

The feedback device 100 may perform thermal grill feedback by the above steps.

3.2.4. How to provide thermal grill feedback with area adjustment and time slicing

61 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The method of providing thermal feedback according to FIG. 61 is a method of providing thermal grill feedback through area adjustment and time division, comprising: obtaining a feedback request message (S5100); obtaining feedback information (S5200) (S5300), determining whether the thermal feedback is a thermal grill feedback (S5300), determining a type of thermal feedback to be performed based on the first thermal pair group (1244) and performing a second operation Determining a duty cycle for the voltage for the thermal grill operation (S5500), determining a second thermo couple group 1244 to be performed (S5500) The first thermo couple group 1244 and the second thermo couple group 1244 apply an electric signal such that a constant voltage and a reverse voltage are alternately applied to the first thermo couple group 1244 and the second thermo pair group 1244, And cold feeling feed A may include the step (S5600) of outputting.

A fifth example of the method of providing thermal feedback is that a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244 are included in a thermocouple array 1240 that can simultaneously perform a heat generating operation and an endothermic operation in a portion of the contact surface 1600 and in another portion, The feedback controller 1400 can be performed by a feedback device 100 that is capable of individually controlling a plurality of thermocouple groups 1244.

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, the feedback request message is obtained (S5100), the feedback information is obtained (S5200), and the type of thermal feedback to be performed is determined based on the feedback information, in particular, it can be determined whether or not it is thermal grill feedback (S5300). These steps may be similar to steps S4100, S4200, and S4300 in the second example of the method of providing thermal feedback, respectively.

If the type of thermal feedback is thermal grill feedback, perform a thermal grill operation as follows.

First, a first thermocouple group 1244 for performing a first operation and a second thermocouple group 1244 for performing a second operation are determined for a thermal drawing operation (S5400).

Here, the first operation and the second operation are operations in which the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are performed alternately with time using a duty cycle, and the order of the operations is shifted from each other, The operation is an operation to perform an endothermic operation, and the second operation is an operation to perform an endothermic operation in a heat operation operation. For example, the feedback controller 1400 may determine that the first thermocouples group 1244 and the second thermocouple group 1244 have the same area.

Next, a duty cycle related to the voltage is determined for the thermal write operation (S5500).

The feedback controller 1400 applies the constant voltage and the reverse voltage alternately in accordance with time, and determines the time for applying the constant voltage and the time for applying the reverse voltage. At this time, the feedback controller 1400 calculates the ratio of the amount of change in the heat generating operation temperature due to the application of the constant voltage, the amount of temperature change due to the heat absorbing operation due to application of the reverse voltage, The constant voltage timing and the reverse voltage timing can be selected so that the ratio is established.

For example, the feedback controller 1400 can determine the constant voltage timing and the reverse voltage timing so that the neutral ratio in terms of time is established when the ratio of the temperature change amount due to the heat generation operation and the temperature change amount due to the heat absorption operation is the same.

Lastly, an electric signal is applied to the first thermocouple group 1244 and the second thermocouple group 1244 such that the constant voltage and the reverse voltage are alternately staggered to form the first thermocouple group 1244 and the second thermocouple group 1244, The pair group 1244 alternately outputs warm feedback and cold feedback at the same time according to the area and time (S5500).

The feedback controller 1400 applies a constant voltage to the first thermocouple group 1244 and a reverse voltage to the second thermocouple group 1244 during the first timing and applies the reverse voltage to the group during the second timing, And a constant voltage is applied to the second thermocouples group 1244. Accordingly, the first thermoelectric element performs a heat generating operation and the second thermo couple group 1244 performs a heat absorbing operation during a first timing, the first thermo couple group 1244 performs a heat absorbing operation during a second timing, Pair group 1244 performs a heating operation. As a result, thermal feedback and warm feedback are provided at the same time from the domain viewpoint, and heat feedback and warm feedback are alternately provided in terms of time, so thermal grill feedback can be provided to the user.

The feedback device 100 may perform thermal grill feedback by the above steps.

3.2.5. Neutral thermal grill feedback, hot grill feedback and cold grill feedback

Meanwhile, in the description of the second through fifth examples of the thermal feedback providing method according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the thermal grill feedback is described as being the neutral thermal grill feedback. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to provide hot grill feedback or cold grill feedback as thermal grill feedback.

For example, in the case of thermal grill feedback via voltage control, the feedback controller 1400 may be configured such that the ratio of the reverse voltage to the constant voltage is less than the ratio of the reverse voltage to the constant voltage used for the neutral thermal grill feedback . Conversely, to provide the cold grill feedback, the feedback controller 1400 may cause the ratio of the reverse voltage to the constant voltage to be greater than the ratio of the reverse voltage to the constant voltage used for the neutral thermal grill feedback.

As another example, to provide thermal grill feedback in the case of thermal grill feedback through area adjustment, the feedback controller 1400 may use the ratio of the area performing the heat sink operation to the area performing the heating operation to be used for neutral column grill feedback Ratio. Conversely, to provide the cold grill feedback, the feedback controller 1400 may make the ratio of the area performing the heat absorbing operation to the area performing the heating operation greater than the ratio used for the neutral thermal grill feedback.

As another example, in the case of thermal grill feedback through time adjustment, the feedback controller 1400 may use the ratio of the timing of performing the heat absorbing operation to the timing of performing the heat generating operation to the neutral column grill feedback Of the total amount of water. Conversely, to provide cold grill feedback, the feedback controller 1400 may make the ratio of the timing of performing the heat absorbing operation to the timing of performing the exothermic operation to be greater than that used for the neutral thermal grill feedback.

In order to provide this, it is possible to provide at least one of the ratio of the reverse voltage to the constant voltage, the ratio of the endothermic area to the exothermic area, and the ratio of the endothermic timing to the exothermic timing to provide the hot grill feedback And at least one can be increased to provide cold grill feedback.

3.3. Providing thermal feedback to prevent skin damage

Meanwhile, in the description of the first through fifth examples of the method of providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, an excessively high amount of heat can be prevented from being transmitted to the user.

To this end, the feedback controller 1400 may prevent the magnitude of the voltage applied to the thermocouple array 1240 from exceeding a predetermined threshold voltage value, or may prevent the voltage application time from exceeding a predetermined threshold time.

3.4. How to prevent thermal inversion hallucinations

3.4.1. How to prevent thermal inversion by buffer operation

62 is a flowchart of a sixth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The method of providing thermal feedback according to FIG. 62 is a method for preventing thermal inversion hallucination that occurs when providing thermal feedback, comprising the steps of obtaining a feedback request message (S6100), obtaining feedback information (S6200) A step S6300 of performing a heating operation or an endothermic operation, a step of terminating the thermal feedback S6400, and a step S6500 of performing a buffering operation at the end of the thermal feedback.

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, a feedback request message is acquired (S6100), feedback information is obtained (S6200), and a heating operation or a heat absorbing operation is performed based on the feedback information (S6300). These steps may be understood from another example of the method of providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention described above. Here, the voltage applied to the thermocouple array 1240 by the feedback controller 1400 for the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation will be referred to as a first voltage.

The thermal feedback is ended (S6400).

The feedback controller 1400 may terminate the thermal feedback over a predetermined time from the start of the thermal feedback. That is, the feedback controller 1400 can cut off power to the thermocouple array 1240 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation is started.

Alternatively, the feedback controller 1400 counts the time since the thermal feedback is started based on the information about the time when the thermal feedback is applied from the feedback information, and when the time indicated by the information about the time when the thermal feedback is applied, Can be terminated.

Or the feedback controller 1400 may terminate the thermal feedback upon receiving the feedback termination message.

The termination of the thermal feedback may mean blocking the voltage applied to the thermocouple array 1240 to provide thermal feedback.

At the end of the thermal feedback, a buffer operation is performed (S6500).

Here, the buffering operation is an operation for preventing the temperature of the contact surface 1600 from suddenly changing from the saturation temperature to the initial temperature at the end of the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation, in order to prevent the reverse inversion phenomenon.

To this end, the feedback controller 1400 may apply buffering power to the thermocouple array 1240 for a predetermined time at the end of the thermal feedback.

Here, the buffer power source may basically be the same as the operating power source, that is, the first voltage and the power application direction. To this end, the feedback controller 1400 can determine the power application direction of the buffer power source based on the power application direction of the operating power source or the type of the thermal feedback applied for the output of the thermal feedback.

The cushioning power source may be a power source for inducing a thermoelectric action with a smaller intensity than the cushioning power source on the thermoelectric device side. To this end, the buffer power source may have the following characteristics.

For example, the buffer power supply may have a voltage value smaller than the voltage value of the operating power supply, that is, the operating voltage. Or similarly, the cushion power source may have a current value smaller than the current value of the operating power source, that is, the operating current. On the other hand, the buffering voltage or the buffering current may be reduced during the buffering period in which the buffering operation is performed.

As another example, the buffer power source may be provided in the form of a duty signal. If the operating power source is a smooth signal, the buffering power is provided as a duty signal so that the rate of temperature change during the return of the contact surface temperature to the initial temperature may be reduced. If the operating power source is a duty signal type, the buffer power source may be provided with a duty signal whose duty rate is smaller than the operating power source, so that the rate of temperature change during the return of the contact surface to the initial temperature may also be reduced . On the other hand, the duty ratio of the buffer power source may be reduced during the buffering period.

When the cushioning voltage is applied in this manner, the temperature change rate of the contact surface 1600 is reduced, so that the thermal inversion hallucination phenomenon can be mitigated or eliminated.

Alternatively, in the case where the thermoelectric elements are provided in the thermoelectric couple array 1240 having the plurality of thermoelectric couple groups 1244 in the feedback device 1000, it is also possible to perform the buffer operation through the region-dependent control.

Specifically, the feedback controller 1400 includes a thermocouple group 1244, to which a buffer power is applied, to a thermocouple group 1244 (hereinafter referred to as an "operation group") to which the operating power is applied when the operating power is applied for the thermal feedback output, Hereinafter referred to as " buffer group ") is small so that a buffer operation can be realized. For example, after the thermoelectric operation for the thermal feedback output is performed by the ten operation groups, the buffer power is applied to the eight buffer groups at the end of the output of the thermal feedback to weaken the intensity of the thermoelectric action on the entire thermoelectric element side, It is possible to reduce the rate of temperature change at which the temperature sensor 1600 returns to the initial temperature. Here, the operating group does not need to be all the thermocouple groups 1244 of the thermoelectric elements, and the buffer group should be fewer than the operating group, so that the buffer group does not necessarily have to be a part of the operating group. Also, during the buffer period, the feedback controller 1400 may reduce the number of buffer groups.

As described above, when the buffering operation is performed through the area control, a power source having a voltage value, a current value, a duty rate, and the like smaller than the operating power source can be used as the buffer power source. However, since the number of the buffer groups is smaller than the number of the operation groups, it is of course possible to prevent the occurrence of the thermal inversion hallucination even when the operating power source is used as the buffer power source.

In the case where the operating power source is used as the buffer power source as described above, the buffering operation may be interpreted as implementing the buffering operation through the application of the buffer power source when the operating power source is interrupted. However, It may be interpreted that the buffer operation is implemented by reducing the number of operating groups to which the operating power is applied. Specifically, power is applied to the operation group for thermal feedback output, and at the same time, when the output of the thermal feedback is terminated, the power supply to the entire operation group is stopped at the same time. It may be seen that the buffering operation is implemented by stopping the power supply to the buffer.

In the above description, it is explained that the buffer operation is performed during the buffer period according to the interruption of the operation power supply for the end of the output of the thermal feedback. Here, the buffering operation is not necessarily performed immediately upon stopping the operation of the operating power supply, and the buffering operation may be performed after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from when the operating power supply is stopped.

3.4.2. How to prevent thermal inversion by voltage control

On the other hand, a plurality of voltages can be used as the buffering voltage in the above buffering operation. Whereby the feedback device 100 can perform a plurality of buffering operations. The plurality of buffer sections are sequentially made according to time, and a larger voltage can be used for each buffer section in the preceding section.

For example, the feedback controller 1400 may set the first damping voltage, the second damping voltage, and the third damping voltage. Accordingly, the feedback controller 1400 applies a first buffering voltage during the first buffering period, a second buffering voltage during the second buffering period, and a third buffering voltage during the third buffering period at the end of the thermal feedback .

Here, the first damping voltage is smaller than the first voltage and the same direction, the second damping voltage is smaller than the first damping voltage and the same direction, and the third damping voltage is smaller than the second damping voltage and the same direction. The first buffer section follows the heat / heat absorption operation, the second buffer section follows the first buffer section, and the third buffer section follows the second buffer section.

3.4.3. Prevention of thermal inversion by considering thermal feedback strength

FIG. 63 is a flowchart of a seventh example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The method of providing thermal feedback according to FIG. 63 is a method for preventing a thermal inversion halloccurring in providing thermal feedback in consideration of the strength of thermal feedback, comprising: obtaining a feedback request message (S7100); obtaining feedback information S7200), performing a heat generating operation or a heat absorbing operation based on the feedback information (S7300), ending the thermal feedback (S7400), determining the strength of the thermal feedback (S7500), and based on the strength of the thermal feedback And performing a buffer operation (S7600).

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, the feedback request message is acquired (S7100), the feedback information is obtained (S7200), the heat generation operation or the heat absorption operation is performed based on the feedback information (S7300), and the thermal feedback can be terminated (S7400). These steps may be similar to steps S6100, S6200, S6300, and S6400 described above.

The strength of the thermal feedback is determined (S7500).

When the buffering operation is terminated, the feedback controller 1400 can determine the strength of the terminated thermal feedback. The feedback controller 1400 can determine the strength of the thermal feedback based on the magnitude and direction of the feedback information or the applied voltage.

The buffer operation is performed based on the intensity of the thermal feedback (S7600).

It can be determined whether or not the intensity of the thermal feedback is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity. Accordingly, the feedback controller 1400 may perform the buffering operation when the intensity of the thermal feedback is equal to or higher than the predetermined intensity, and may not perform the buffering operation when the intensity of the thermal feedback is equal to or less than the predetermined intensity.

When the buffer operation is performed, the feedback controller 1400 applies the buffering voltage to the thermo couple array 1240 during the buffer period, and does not apply power when not performing the buffering operation.

If the thermal feedback intensity is below a certain level, there is no reason to perform the buffering operation unnecessarily, since the thermal inversion does not occur.

On the other hand, even if the thermal feedback has the same intensity, the predetermined strength for the cold feedback is set to be lower than the predetermined strength for the warm feedback, so that the buffer operation is performed for the cold feedback and the buffer operation It may not be performed.

3.4.4. Preventing thermal inversion of warmth feedback and cold feedback

FIG. 64 is a flowchart related to an eighth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The method of providing thermal feedback according to FIG. 64 is a method for preventing a thermal inversion hallucination that occurs when thermal feedback is provided according to the type of thermal feedback, including obtaining a feedback request message (S8100), obtaining feedback information (S8200 (Step S8300), a step of terminating the thermal feedback (step S8400), a step of determining the type of the thermal feedback (step S8500), and a step of determining the type of thermal feedback based on the type of the thermal feedback And performing a buffer operation (S8600).

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, the feedback request message is obtained (S8100), the feedback information is obtained (S8200), and the heating operation or the heat absorbing operation is performed based on the feedback information (S8300). These steps may be similar to steps S7100, S7200, S7300 and S7400 described above.

The type of thermal feedback is determined (S8500).

When the buffering operation ends, the feedback controller 1400 can determine the type of thermal feedback that has been terminated. The type of the thermal feedback includes the warm feedback and the cold feedback, and the feedback controller 1400 can judge this according to the feedback information or the direction of the first voltage being applied.

A different buffer operation is performed based on the kind of thermal feedback (S8600).

As described above, since the temperature change rate at the end of the cold feedback is more steeper than the temperature change rate at the end of the warm feedback, it is necessary to vary the buffer operation between the two.

For example, the feedback controller 1400 performs the buffering operation using the first buffering voltage for the first buffering time for the warm-up feedback, and performs the buffering operation using the second buffering voltage during the second buffering time for the cold- Can be performed. For example, the second buffering time may be greater than the first buffering time. This is because the temperature change rate of returning to the initial temperature at the end of cold feedback is faster when the temperature change amount to the saturation temperature with respect to the initial temperature is the same in the warm feedback and cold feedback. Alternatively, the first buffering time may be greater than the second buffering time, for example, when the warming feedback and the cold feedback are output using the same operating voltage, the temperature variation to the saturation temperature with respect to the initial temperature is the warm- This is because it is larger than the cold feedback.

For example, the feedback controller 1400 may generate a cushioning power source for cushioning operation for ending the output of warm-up feedback and a cushioning power source for cushioning operation for output ending of the cold feedback. For example, the first cushioning voltage for warm-up feedback may be less than the second cushioning voltage for cold feedback because the temperature return rate of the cold feedback is faster if the temperature variation is the same. As another example, the first cushioning voltage for warm-up feedback may be greater than the second cushioning for cold feedback because the temperature change is greater in the case of warm-feedback when the same operating voltage is used. Here, it is also possible that the buffer power source for the warm-feeling feedback and the cold feedback can have different current values or different duty ratios, instead of different voltage values.

In addition, the buffer power source for the warm feedback and cold feedback may have a ratio of the voltage / current / duty ratio to the operating power source smaller than "1" and different from each other.

At this time, the ratio value may be larger than the ratio value of the warm-feeling feedback ratio. This is because the temperature return rate in cold feedback can be faster. Specifically, when the operating power for warm feedback has a first voltage / current / duty rate and the operating power for cold feedback has a second voltage / current / duty rate, the buffer power for the warm- Current / duty ratio and the ratio of the third voltage / current / duty ratio to the first voltage / current / duty ratio when the buffer power source for the cold feedback has the fourth voltage / current / duty ratio, May be less than the ratio of the fourth voltage / current / duty ratio to the voltage / current / duty rate. This is because the temperature change rate of returning to the initial temperature at the end of cold feedback is faster when the temperature change amount to the saturation temperature with respect to the initial temperature is the same in the warm feedback and cold feedback.

Or the ratio value may be smaller than the ratio value of the warm-feeling feedback value. This is because the temperature change amount at the same power source is larger in the case of the warm feedback than in the case of the cold feedback.

For example, the feedback controller 1400 may set the number of buffer groups performing the buffering operation to the end of output of the buffer power source and the cold feedback according to the buffering operation for ending the output of the warm-up feedback. Specifically, the number of buffer groups for warm feedback or the number of buffer groups for the operating group may be smaller than the number or ratio for cold feedback. This is because the temperature change rate at the cold feedback is fast. Or conversely, the number of buffer groups for warm feedback or the number of buffer groups for the operating group may be greater than the number or ratio for cold feedback. This is because the temperature change of the warm feedback is larger at the same power source. Here, the operating power may be used as a cushioning power supply, in which case the cushioning operation may be interpreted as first disconnecting the operating power for a part of the operating group, and then disconnecting the operating power for the rest.

3.4.5. How to prevent thermal inversion of hallway when providing continuous thermal feedback

65 is a flowchart illustrating a ninth example of a method for providing thermal feedback according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The method of providing thermal feedback according to Figure 65 is a method for preventing thermal inversion hallucinations that occur in providing thermal feedback in providing continuous thermal feedback,

 A step S9100 of obtaining a feedback request message, a step S9200 of obtaining feedback information, a step S9300 of performing a heat generating operation or a heat absorbing operation based on the feedback information, a step of terminating the thermal feedback S9400, Step S9500 of obtaining a feedback request message during the performance of the operation, and step S9600 of stopping the buffer operation upon acquiring the feedback request message and initiating the requested feedback operation.

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, a feedback request message is acquired (S9100), feedback information is acquired (S9200), a heat generating operation or a heat absorbing operation is performed based on the feedback information (S9300), thermal feedback is completed and a buffering operation is performed ). These steps may be similar to steps S6100, S6200, S6300, and S6400 described above.

A feedback request message is obtained during the execution of the buffering operation (S9500). The feedback controller 1400 can confirm whether or not the feedback request message is acquired similarly to the step S9100 during the buffer operation.

Upon receipt of the feedback request message, the buffer operation is stopped and the requested feedback operation is started (S9600). The feedback controller 1400 can directly enter the mode for terminating the buffering operation and performing the requested thermal feedback operation when the feedback request message is obtained during the buffering operation.

3.4.5. How to remove the heat that is felt when the heat grill feedback stops

67 is a flowchart illustrating a tenth example of the method for providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The method of providing thermal feedback according to Figure 67 is a method for preventing thermal inversion hallucinations that occur in providing thermal feedback in providing continuous thermal feedback,

 A step of obtaining a feedback request message (S10100), a step of obtaining feedback information (S10200), a step of determining the type of thermal feedback to be performed based on the feedback information (S10300), the type of thermal feedback being thermal grill feedback A step of performing thermal grill feedback (S10400), a step of finishing thermal grill feedback (S10500), and a step of performing a buffering operation for thermal grill feedback (S10600).

Hereinafter, each of the above-described steps will be described in more detail.

First, the feedback request message is acquired (S10100), the feedback information is acquired (S10200), and the type of thermal feedback to be performed is determined based on the feedback information (S10300). These steps may be similar to steps S2100, S2200, S2300, and S2400 described above.

If the type of thermal feedback is thermal grill feedback, thermal grill feedback can be performed (S10400). This step may be similar to performing the thermal grill operation according to the second to fifth examples of the method of providing thermal feedback.

The thermal grill feedback is terminated (S10500). This step may be similar to S6400.

When the thermal grill feedback is terminated, a buffer operation for thermal grill feedback is performed (S10600).

Here, although the buffering operation is intended to prevent the thermal inversion hallucination, since the strength of the warm feedback and the cold feedback for the thermal grill feedback are different from each other, when the heating operation and the heat absorption operation are stopped at the same time, It also has the purpose of preventing cold feeling from being temporarily felt.

Generally, in the thermal grill feedback, the cold feedback is performed at a higher intensity than the warm feedback, and the temperature change speed of the endothermic area is faster at the end of the thermal grill operation. Accordingly, the feedback controller 1400 can prevent a thermal inversion phenomenon occurring at the endothermic area (or total area) by applying a reverse voltage for a predetermined time at the end of the thermal grill feedback (first operation).

On the other hand, since the intensity of the cold feedback is greater than the intensity of the warm feedback, the time to reach the initial temperature is later in the endothermic area. Accordingly, the feedback controller 1400 can adjust the thermal balance by applying a constant voltage to the heat generating area (or the entire area) for a predetermined time after a certain time has elapsed after the completion of the thermal grill feedback (second operation).

The power applied at the end of the thermal grill feedback in the first operation and the second operation may be defined as a buffer power, but may also be referred to as an auxiliary power. This is because the power source has the purpose of making the thermal equilibrium at the initial temperature at the end of the thermal feedback output.

Here, the auxiliary power source may be applied to at least one of the heat generating area and the heat absorbing area.

The voltage application direction of the auxiliary power supply can be determined to be normal so that the heat / heat absorbing portion is thermally balanced at the initial temperature in consideration of the strength of the cold feedback for the thermal grill feedback is greater than the strength of the warm feedback at the end of the thermal feedback output. Alternatively, the reverse power and the forward power are used together as the auxiliary power, but the current / voltage / application time of the forward power can be adjusted to be larger. Here, when the positive power source and the negative power source are applied together as the auxiliary power source, it may be advantageous that the positive power source is applied to the heat generating portion and the reverse power source is applied to the heat absorbing portion.

Alternatively, the voltage application direction of the auxiliary power supply may be reversely determined in order to prevent thermal equilibrium at a temperature higher than the initial temperature in consideration of the residual heat due to the thermoelectric operation at the end of the thermal feedback output. Alternatively, the forward power and the reverse power are used together as the auxiliary power, but the current / voltage / application time of the reverse power may be adjusted to be larger. Here, when the reverse power source and the omnidirectional power source are applied together as the auxiliary power source, it may be advantageous that the reverse power source is applied to the heat absorbing portion and the forward power source is applied to the heat generating portion.

On the other hand, as described above, it is also possible to set the end timing of the warm feedback and the cold feedback, which constitute the thermal grill feedback, to be different from each other, instead of using the auxiliary power source.

In the process of reaching the thermal equilibrium, the cold feedback is performed at a higher intensity than the warm feedback, so that a cold feeling may be felt during the heating region first reaches the thermal equilibrium and then the heat absorption region reaches the thermal equilibrium. In order to prevent this, the heat generating operation constituting the heat grill operation and the heat generating operation during the heat absorbing operation may be stopped first so that the point where the heat generating portion and the endothermic portion reach the thermal equilibrium are made equal.

Or the temperature change amount at the endothermic part is larger than the temperature change amount at the heat generation part, the thermal equilibrium at the end of the thermal grill feedback output may be lower than the initial temperature. In order to prevent this, it is also possible to stop the heat absorbing operation first and then to stop the heat generating operation so that the thermal equilibrium is finally achieved at the initial temperature.

Or when a thermoelectric element performs a thermoelectric operation using electric energy, residual heat may be generated. Such residual heat may cause thermal equilibrium at a temperature higher than the initial temperature at the end of the thermal grill feedback output. In order to prevent this, it is also possible to stop the heat absorbing operation later and stop the heat generating operation first so that the thermal equilibrium is finally achieved at the initial temperature.

In the present embodiment, it is possible that the first operation, the second operation, and the method of adjusting the stopping point of the end of the heat generating operation / heat absorbing operation are all performed individually or in combination.

The methods of providing thermal feedback according to the embodiments of the present invention described above can be used alone or in combination with each other. In addition, since each of the steps described in each of the thermal feedback methods is not essential, the method of providing thermal feedback can be performed including all of the steps as well as a part of the steps. Also, since the order in which the steps are described is merely for convenience of explanation, the steps in the method of providing thermal feedback are not necessarily performed in the order described.

Also, in the method of providing thermal feedback according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the step that does not refer to the performing entity is performed by at least one of the application controller 2700 and the feedback controller 1400 of the feedback device 100 . In addition, in the above description, what has been described as being performed by the application controller 2700 may be performed by the feedback controller 1400 as needed, or vice versa, as described above by the feedback controller 1400, . In addition, it is also possible that the items described above to be performed by the application controller 2700 or the feedback controller 1400 are performed by collaboration between the application controller 2700 and the feedback controller 1400. Again, it is noted that the application controller 2700 and the feedback controller 1400 may be implemented as a single controller.

The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention described above can be implemented separately or in combination.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

100: feedback device 100a: gaming controller
100b: Wearable device 1000: Feedback unit
1200: thermal output module 1220: substrate
1240: thermocouple array 1241: unit thermocouple
1242: conductor member 1244: thermocouple group
1260: Power terminal 1400: Feedback controller
1600: Contact surface 2000: Application unit
2100: casing 2120: grip section
2200: input module 2300: sensing module
2400: vibration module 2500: communication module
2600: memory 2700: application controller

Claims (14)

A method of providing thermal feedback performed by a feedback device that outputs thermal feedback by communicating heat generated by a thermoelectric device applied with power to a user through a contact surface that contacts a body part of a user,
Obtaining a start message of the thermal feedback including a kind of the thermal feedback; And
And outputting the thermal sensation feedback by performing a thermal grill operation in which the heat generating operation and the heat absorbing operation are combined when the kind of thermal feedback is thermal sensory feedback,
Wherein the step of outputting the thermal sensation feedback includes the steps of applying a constant voltage for the heat generating operation to the thermoelectric element, applying a reverse voltage having the opposite direction of the constant voltage and the power applying direction for the heat absorbing operation to the thermoelectric element, A step of applying the reverse voltage and a step of alternately repeating the step of applying the reverse voltage
Providing thermal feedback.
The method according to claim 1,
The application time of the constant voltage and the application time of the reverse voltage may be set so that the user can feel warmth according to the heating operation,
Providing thermal feedback.
The method according to claim 1,
In the step of outputting the thermal sensation feedback, the application time of the constant voltage is adjusted to be smaller than the application time of the reverse voltage in order to minimize the user's feeling of warmth or cold feeling by the heat sensation feedback
Providing thermal feedback.
The method of claim 3,
The ratio of the application time of the reverse voltage to the application time of the constant voltage is not less than 1.5 and not more than 5.0
Providing thermal feedback.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the step of outputting the thermal sensation feedback is performed such that the application time of the constant voltage and the application time of the reverse voltage are the same and the temperature rise amount of the contact surface by the constant voltage is smaller than the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface by the reverse voltage The voltage value or the current value of the constant voltage is adjusted to be smaller than the voltage value or the current value of the reverse voltage
Providing thermal feedback.
6. The method of claim 5,
The voltage value of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage is adjusted so that the ratio of the temperature decrease amount to the temperature rise amount becomes 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less in the step of outputting the heat sensation feedback
Providing thermal feedback.
The method according to claim 1,
The ratio of the application time of the reverse voltage to the application time of the constant voltage and the ratio of the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface due to the reverse voltage to the temperature rise amount of the contact surface due to the constant voltage is not more than 1.5 and not more than 5.0
Providing thermal feedback.
A communication module for communicating with an external device;
A thermoelectric element that receives a power supply and performs a heat generating operation or a heat absorbing operation, a power terminal for supplying power to the thermoelectric element, and a contact surface provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and contacting the body part of the user, A heat output module for outputting thermal feedback by transmitting heat generated by the heat generating operation or the heat absorbing operation to the user; And
Receiving the thermal feedback start message including the type of the thermal feedback from the external device through the communication module, and when the type of thermal feedback is thermal feedback feedback, the thermal output module performs the heat generation operation and the heat absorption operation And a controller for applying the power to perform the combined heat grill operation to output the heat trap feedback,
The controller controls the thermal output module to perform the thermal grill operation by alternately applying a constant voltage for the heat generating operation and a reverse voltage whose opposite direction is opposite to the constant voltage and the power application direction to the thermoelectric element
Feedback device.
9. The method of claim 8,
The application time of the constant voltage and the application time of the reverse voltage may be set so that the user can feel warmth according to the heating operation,
Feedback device.
9. The method of claim 8,
The controller adjusts the application time of the constant voltage to be smaller than the application time of the reverse voltage in order to minimize the user's feeling of warmth or cold feeling by the thermal sensation feedback
Feedback device.
11. The method of claim 10,
The ratio of the application time of the reverse voltage to the application time of the constant voltage is not less than 1.5 and not more than 5.0
Feedback device.
9. The method of claim 8,
The controller is configured to control the constant voltage so that the constant voltage application time and the reverse voltage application time are equal and the temperature rise amount of the contact surface due to the constant voltage is smaller than the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface due to the reverse voltage, The current value is adjusted to be smaller than the voltage value or the current value of the reverse voltage
Feedback device.
13. The method of claim 12,
The voltage value of the constant voltage and the reverse voltage is adjusted so that the ratio of the temperature decrease amount to the temperature rise amount becomes 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less in the step of outputting the heat sensation feedback
Feedback device.
9. The method of claim 8,
The ratio of the application time of the reverse voltage to the application time of the constant voltage and the ratio of the temperature decrease amount of the contact surface due to the reverse voltage to the temperature rise amount of the contact surface due to the constant voltage is not more than 1.5 and not more than 5.0
Feedback device.
.

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